Hull City owner Acun Ilicali outlines aim to sign 'special' Joe Gelhardt from Leeds United on permanent basis
Hull City owner Acun Ilicali has made it clear he wants to sign Joe Gelhardt from Leeds United on a permanent basis.
The 23-year-old fell from prominence at Elland Road, finding opportunities increasingly limited after a promising start to his senior career.
He ended last season on loan at Hull, doing enough to convince the Tigers to move for him again in the summer.
A season-long loan agreement was reached and Gelhardt has since racked up 10 goals in 20 games for the Championship outfit.
Hull City eye permanent Joe Gelhardt deal
Speaking to Hull Live, Ilicali laid out his desire to see ‘Joffy’ become a permanent Hull player.
He said: “Gelhardt is a special boy. The fans know the story about how much he pushed to come here, plus how much he sacrificed to come back to Hull City.
“I think Gelhardt is a special person, and for us, our target is to be with him permanently, so he's our own player.”
There will most likely be a lot of interest in Gelhardt when his loan deal expires at the end of the season. Leeds may even wish to take another look, especially if they are relegated back to the Championship.
Hull are currently under a transfer embargo but by the time Gelhardt is due back at Leeds, they should be able to pay fees again.
Ilicali said: “Of course, it is not something that is easy for us, but Jared [Dublin, sporting director] and I did crazy things last summer, and I can say that we are on form, and I give us a good chance.
“I believe that we have the strength and power to manage, to succeed, to bring Joe Gelhardt into our family permanently."
Leeds United reunion
Gelhardt has been joined by two former Leeds teammates at the MKM Stadium, with Darko Gyabi and James Debayo on the books.
The latter sealed a move to Hull in the summer window, while Debayo joined the Tigers just days ago after a successful trial.