Leeds United are convinced that Joe Gelhardt is a player who can perform at the highest level in the Premier League.
The 20-year-old, who came through the ranks at Wigan, joined Leeds two years ago. He has developed brilliantly at Elland Road, and the Whites think he can become a big player for them in the coming years.
Leeds think Joe Gelhardt is good enough to perform in the Premier League
One of Leeds’ priorities in the summer transfer window was a new striker. Jesse Marsch was desperate for a new man up top, but Leeds just couldn’t secure their top targets.
The Whites were prepared to smash their transfer record to sign Charles De Ketelaere, but he joined AC Milan. A move for Bamba Dieng looked all but done on deadline day, but he snubbed them as well.
In the end, Leeds signed young Wilfried Gnonto from FC Zurich, but the 18-year-old is not ready for the Premier League. However, the Whites already have one player who can perform at the highest level – Gelhardt.
Journalist Tim Thornton revealed that Leeds truly believe in young Gelhardt and the 20-year-old was at the forefront of their thoughts while they were trying to sign a new striker.
He told GiveMeSport: “One of the big factors (in Leeds’ transfer approach) was Joe Gelhardt.
“They think a lot of him and bringing someone in could have knocked him further down the pecking order and I think they want to see him given opportunities to show what he’s all about.
“They think that he is a player that can perform in the Premier League.”
TBR View:
Gelhardt is undoubtedly one of Leeds’ finest young prospects.
The 20-year-old has a stunning record for Leeds’ U21s, scoring 18 goals and providing six assists in just 28 appearances. He has two goals and four assists to his name at senior level as well, despite only starting seven games in all competitions.
Leeds fans already know how good Gelhardt is. He has played five times already this season, and we’re sure Marsch will give him plenty of opportunities in the coming weeks and months.
The Whites take on Nottingham Forest on Monday, and it will be interesting to see if Gelhardt will start again after getting the nod last weekend.
