As of Friday, one prospective January departure from Championship leaders Leeds United may have taken a step ahead.
Daniel Farke spoke about Joe Gelhardt’s unclear Elland Road future before of Leeds United’s FA Cup third round match against Harrogate Town on Saturday.
There is no shortage of interest in a player who was once considered the West Yorkshire club’s brightest young promise.
Gelhardt’s growth may have stopped since his debut in the Premier League a few years ago, but with Portsmouth, QPR, Cardiff, Derby Plymouth, Hull City, and Scottish giants Rangers all mentioned, possibilities are undoubtedly available.
According to Hull Live, Ruben Selles’ Championship strugglers have begun talks over a possible loan deal.
However, Joe Gelhardt’s chances of making the transition north of the border look to have grown significantly.
Especially after Rangers began early negotiations on a deal that may see £4.5 million player Cyriel Dessers depart Ibrox, possibly for a return to Italy or a fresh start in France with relegation-threatened St Etienne.
The departure of Cyriel Dessers from Rangers could pave the way for Joe Gelhardt of Leeds United
According to Rangers Review, Dessers has taken a significant step toward ending his stay in Glasgow. A replacement will be needed – Gers manager Philippe Clement’s only other striker options are young Hamza Igamane and the injury-prone Danilo – and bringing in 22-year-old Gelhardt on a temporary basis is the type of low-cost, low-risk deal that makes sense from both a sporting and financial standpoint.
Gelhardt has only made one matchday squad appearance for Leeds since the end of October.
Farke revealed that Patrick Bamford and Joel Piroe are unavailable for the Harrogate game, but it remains to be seen whether he is ready to risk Gelhardt while negotiations over a transfer continue.
“I have a pretty honest and open relationship with Joffy,” stated the former Norwich City manager at his pre-match press conference on Thursday. “I have told him several times that I rate him, which is difficult for him; the issue is the competition. You cannot support four strikers in the same way.
“It’s difficult for him, but he works hard in training and knows I believe in him. His behaviour is amazing. For that, I can understand if he believes it makes sense to go and receive game time at another club.”
Daniel Farke claims Gelhardt is free to leave Elland Road this month.
Farke also stated that Gelhardt has been given permission to speak with potential suitors, but he declined to reveal who they are. Opportunities would be hard to come by at Rangers, with Igamane now firmly entrenched as the Glasgow giants’ go-to centre forward.
“I’ve allowed him to have conversations,” Farke continues. “And when he believes it is best for him, he will knock on my door. But it hasn’t happened yet.
“Let’s see what happens over next few days.”
In terms of incomings, Farke anticipates a ‘calm’ few weeks.
Leeds are still interested in signing Nico Elvedi and Andrew Omobamidele from Borussia Monchengladbach and Nottingham Forest, respectively. Both players have already worked with Farke and would give depth to a backline that is rich in quality but low in quantity.
