Leeds United's transfer window priority leaves writing on the wall for forgotten man

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Seven matches is a very small sample size to go on - but the writing is already on the wall for Joe Gelhardt at Leeds United. The 22-year-old has figured just once in the Championship this season, coming on as a second half substitute in the 2-0 win away to Sheffield Wednesday.

His only start in the Carabao Cup tie with Middlesbrough. He was hooked just after the hour mark as the Whites suffered a heavy home defeat.

Patrick Bamford was preferred to Gelhardt on the substitutes bench at Cardiff City. Bamford, Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph are all ahead of Gelhardt in the pecking order for a striking role.

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The prospect of Gelhardt getting a chance to shine on the flanks any time soon also looks extremely unlikely. United strengthened their wing options at the back end of the summer window, adding Manor Solomon and Largie Ramazani to their ranks. Solomon could return to first team duty for Saturday's encounter with Coventry City should he shrug off a back problem while Daniel James is also in the mend from his hamstring injury. The duo will further boost Daniel Farke's numbers out wide.

As for the number 10 position, Brenden Aaronson looks set for an extended spell just behind the striker after an encouraging start to the season. The USA international has weighed in with two goals and an assist. Piroe, Wilfried Gnonto and Joe Rothwell can also be utilised in the advanced attacking role. It would be no big surprise to see Luca Thomas get a senior call up if the youngster maintains his outstanding form for the Under-21s.

Competition for places is fierce in the forward areas at United so it is hard to imagine Gelhardt getting many minutes between now and when the transfer window reopens in January. Gelhardt was heavily linked with a move away from Elland Road in the summer but no move materialised. His present deal runs until 2027.

Former Whites midfielder Carlton Palmer said: "Joe Geldhart finds himself in an unenviable position at the moment. He’s 22, and he’s getting very little game time at Leeds United. I’m surprised he didn’t leave Leeds this summer.

“There were previously last season, the likes of Ipswich Town, who were interested in him. The season before, he went on loan to Championship Sunderland, where he played 18 games and only scored three goals.

“I am surprised that him and his advisors haven’t sorted a move. He needs to play football, and he’s just not getting any game time and the years are ticking on.

“I’m sure his advisors now will be looking at it saying, listen, right, if he’s not getting game time, I think by the time we get to the Championship transfer window, they’ll look to get him out, whether it’s on loan or on a permanent deal.”

Given there is a strong chance United will bring in at least one additional attacking player in the New Year (a new No 10 to replace Georginio Rutter proved elusive in the most recent window), it seems inevitable a decision will have to be made on Gelhardt's future. His days at the club look numbered.