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Wembley hero Joe Gelhardt is back at Hull City, after the Tigers struck a deal to sign the 24-year-old from Premier League rivals Leeds United. City had been keeping tabs on Gelhardt's situation at Elland Road over the summer and it looked like he would be joining Birmingham City earlier in the week, after the Blues had agreed terms with Leeds and he was set for a medical. Tigers owner Acun Ilicali swooped in to strike a deal thought to be worth in the region of £4m and snatch him from under the noses of the Blues. Gelhardt has signed a four-year deal with a 12-month option at the MKM Stadium, and sees him rewarded for two loan spells at the MKM Stadium, where he scored five goals to help keep City in the Championship, before netting 15 last term, including one in the play-off semi-final win at Millwall to help the Tigers win promotion to the Premier League. JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest Hull City news and analysis on our Hull Live FB page Boss Sergej Jakirovic has pushed for Gelhardt's permanent return throughout the summer, and now, he's finally got his man back on a permanent deal, though he has a slight injury, so is not expected to be involved against Nice on Saturday in the final pre-season friendly. Jakirovic believes Gelhardt is a player with significant potential, and one capable of having a positive impact both on the pitch for City and in the dressing room, having been a pivotal figure last term. The frontman, who became a firm favourite amongst supporters over his two spells, made clear his desire to return to City after the play-off final win over Middlesbrough, and the civic reception two days' later. Gelhardt said: “I’m over the moon. It’s been a great 18 months playing here – I’ve loved every minute of it. Since the season ended, I knew exactly where I wanted to be. Thankfully, it’s happened. “As soon as I joined the club, I connected with the fans, the staff, all the players. I’m happy to be here on a permanent now, rather than a loan. Last season was amazing for everyone involved. A lot of people wrote us off and didn’t believe we could do it. We knew the quality we had and there was such a togetherness at the club. “I was delighted with the way it happened at Wembley, in the last minute. It was brilliant! Everyone is aware of how much love I have for Hull. Once the owner called, it was always going to be Hull. “I was buzzing to come back and see everyone. Now we’re in the Premier League, everyone is excited to play against the best and test ourselves. Thanks to the fans for their support and the love you have shown me. Here’s to another four years!” While Gelhardt had been frozen out by Leeds in recent years, earlier in his Elland Road career, he did make 35 appearances in the Premier League, and he'll now hope to bring that experience to City's dressing room ahead of the big season opener against Manchester United on Saturday week. Here at Hull Live , we are dedicated to bringing you the best Hull City coverage and analysis. Make sure you don't miss out on the latest City news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe. You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.