Birmingham City 'interested' in Leeds United's Joe Gelhardt as Hull City ponder potential reunion
Hull City could reportedly face competition from Birmingham City if they move for Leeds United’s Joe Gelhardt
Birmingham City are reportedly interested in out-of-favour Leeds United attacker Joe Gelhardt as Hull City ponder a potential reunion.
The 24-year-old has not been in the USA for Leeds’ pre-season tour, with a summer switch away from Elland Road seemingly on the cards.
He has had two productive loan spells at Hull and played a key role in their promotion from the Championship last term, delivering a 15-goal haul.
There has been talk of a move back to the MKM Stadium, but Hull are waiting to complete their priority signings before deciding whether or not to move for ‘Joffy’.
Joe Gelhardt attracts ‘interest’
According to BBC Radio Humberside’s Mike White, social media talk of interest from Birmingham is accurate.
However, suggestions of a deal being close to completion are thought to be wide of the mark. It has also been claimed there are “several clubs” on the trail of the versatile figure, who can play as an attacking midfielder, out wide or up front.
Posting on X, White said: “Social media chat that Birmingham are interested in Gelhardt is accurate according to sources in the West Midlands.
“However, understood to be among several clubs talking to him and Leeds but any suggestion Blues are close to signing is ‘wide of the mark’.”
Hull City’s stance on Leeds United man
Tigers owner Acun Ilicali was recently questioned about Gelhardt by BBC Radio Humberside and displayed some of his trademark transparency as he outlined the club’s stance.
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.
“I think we have good connections with Leeds. They just let us get him twice. If we want to get him again, we will have an advantage.
“The problem is, if he will not be able to play, playing time, if we bring him, then he will be unhappy. After our squad will be on the table, the coach I think will decide if he will be able to give time to him or not. He will decide. Don’t expect something from Gelhardt, a decision, before two weeks at least.”