'He wants' - Joe Gelhardt latest as Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic shares update on Leeds United attacker
The latest on Leeds United’s Joe Gelhardt as Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic issues an update
Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic believes it is “only a matter of time” until Joe Gelhardt returns from Leeds United.
The 24-year-old is no stranger to the MKM Stadium faithful having enjoyed two successful loan spells with the Tigers.
He delivered a 15-goal haul last season, playing a crucial role in Hull’s promotion to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs.
Gelhardt has not featured in any of Leeds’ pre-season friendlies, nor was he even part of the travelling squad for their recent USA tour.
Hull City interest in Joe Gelhardt update issued
He has been linked with Wrexham and Birmingham City, but Hull appear to be closing in on the capture of the former England youth international. Hull Live have claimed it is a permanent deal being pursued.
Jakirovic told BBC Radio Humberside: “There is no doubt about Joe Gelhardt. For me, no doubt. For me, Joe Gelhardt proved everything on the pitch.
“Last season, contribution, how many goals? 15. He loves Hull City, he wants to be here, he’s very happy here, this is just, I think, also a matter of time when we will finish this job.”
Hull City’s transfer dealings
At the end of last month, Hull owner Acun Ilicali claimed a decision would be made on Gelhardt following the completion of priority deals.
He said: “I cannot say yes or no at the moment. After we finish our major transfers [we will decide]. I love Gelhardt. For me, he is a fantastic, fantastic boy. We have lived so many successes together. But this is our coach’s decision.
“[The] Gelhardt part, after our coach sees the squad, what we will bring to him, we will decide about Gelhardt. We will wait for the coach’s decision.”
The Tigers went on to recruit Konstantinos Tzolakis, Jens Hjertø-Dahl and Eliot Stroud, and ‘Joffy’ now looks set to follow them through the door.