In a recent report, The Northern Echo offered an update on the future of Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt. It has been claimed that a few EFL Championship clubs including Blackburn Rovers are hoping to land the English forward on loan from the Whites this month.
Gelhardt’s Underwhelming Season In English Football
Gelhardt has struggled to earn regular first-team starts at Elland Road this season. However, he has been a regular feature for Jesse Marsch’s side off the bench during this campaign. The talented centre-forward has been involved in 18 matches for his current club during this campaign, picking up two assists in the process across all competitions. However, Gelhardt is still waiting to open his goal-scoring account for this campaign.
The 20-year-old has only managed to average 0.7 shots, 0.1 key passes and 0.1 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He has also been a bit sloppy with his link-up play on the attacking end of the pitch after completing 67.2% of his attempted passes in the top tier of English football (stats via whoscored).
His current deal at Elland Road is set to expire in the summer of 2027. Thus, the Whites should consider letting him leave on loan so that he can gain some valuable experience away from the Yorkshire club.
What Should Leeds United Boss Jesse Marsch Do With Regards To Gelhardt?
Gelhardt can generate space for himself to test the opposition keeper with a few strikes at goal. He has a knack for scoring goals but is currently struggling with his confidence due to his sporadic role in Jesse Marsch’s squad this season. Gelhardt is primarily a centre-forward but can also fill in as a wide player on either flank if his manager asks him to do so.
The English sensation can even engineer some inviting chances for his teammates up top when he is playing regularly and with confidence on the pitch.
However, Gelhardt has often fallen behind Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo in Leeds United‘s pecking order at Elland Road. Thus, it makes sense for him to opt for a temporary change of scenery this month in search of more game time in the second half of this campaign.
At 20, the future is quite bright for Gelhardt as long as he continues to improve with each season. However, for that to happen, the Whites should consider letting him leave on loan before the end of this January transfer window.
