Hull City insider explains Leeds United recall deadline for Joe Gelhardt after £8m transfer request
Joe Gelhardt is one of the Championship’s most important
Barry Cooper and Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
10:19, 02 Dec 2025
Joe Gelhardt is ripping it up at Hull City(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
Joe Gelhardt is in the form of his life. Seven goals in nine games for Hull City and nine goals in 18 Championship matches makes him the third highest scorer in the Championship.
The Leeds United loanee is expected to complete his season at the Tigers, despite there being a recall clause in his deal. The Whites had initially wanted to sell him in the summer but came to the conclusion that another loan was the best course of action.
Gelhardt – who spent the second half of last season at Hull – still has 18 months left on his Leeds contract and his value next summer could be higher than what it was in the last window. And he could otherwise be a useful asset if Leeds drop down to the Championship again.
Despite their transfer restrictions, Gelhardt was keen to rejoin Hull over the summer, which played a role in Leeds sanctioning the move. Leeds Live has spoken to Hull City reporter Barry Cooper from sister site Hull Live to get the inside low-down on the striker’s great run.
In your opinion, what has been the reason for Gelhardt’s form this season?
JC: “I don’t think there’s been one specific reason, rather a myriad. The key was obviously his being desperate to come back, which gave him a solid base from which to start.
“Sergej Jakirovic has improved him; he’s given him the licence to play week in and week out and the confidence to do what he does best. The manager has played a key role in giving him that confidence, but ultimately, it’s down to ‘Joff’ himself to do the business, and he’s been doing just that.”
Can you explain more about the deadline for his recall clause?
“My understanding is that Leeds have the option to recall him in January, but only have a short window early on to do that, and at this stage, have no plans to call him back. Obviously, things change, and that’s always the case with the transfers, but as it stands, he’ll stay at City for the season.”
How happy is Gelhardt at Hull?
“Key to all the above is what the player wants, of course. Leeds could have made money by sending him elsewhere in the summer, but Joe made it clear City was the only place he wanted to come, so they eventually struck a deal.
“If anything, that bond between Joff and the club has only grown stronger in the months since he returned. He’s playing well, scoring goals, and is loved by his teammates, the manager and the supporters.
“He wants to stay, and I don’t doubt that if a permanent deal were on the table, he’d sign it right now. Clearly, that cannot happen because of the situation Hull are in with their transfer restrictions, but maybe in the summer something can be done, but we’ll have to see.”
If Leeds do decide to sell this summer, how likely are Hull to beat rivals to his signature?
“Ultimately, Gelhardt’s form is a win-win for Leeds. Either he comes back next summer with Leeds, probably in the Championship and a season scoring 15-plus goals under his belt, or they can sell him on for good money.
“He’s only got a year or so left on his Elland Road deal, so the fee won’t be huge, though still not to be sniffed at. City will have a chance purely based on Gelhardt’s strength of feeling for the club.
“That said, it will depend on many factors. What league are the respective clubs in for one? Are City free of any EFL fee restrictions? Can they afford what Leeds will want?
“Initially, the Whites wanted about £8m early in the summer, which was pie in the sky at that stage. If he keeps up his form, then they’ll have much stronger bargaining power in the market and look to command a big fee.”
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