Joe Gelhardt’s future at Leeds United is increasingly looking like it lies away from Elland Road, at least temporarily, with a January loan move appearing inevitable. The young striker has found opportunities severely limited this season under Daniel Farke, making just two substitute appearances in the Championship. This lack of game time highlights his place far down the pecking order, with the likes of Joel Piroe, Mateo Joseph, Patrick Bamford, Wilfried Gnonto, and Dan James all ahead of him in contention for the central forward role.

According to Football League World (10 January), Luton Town have joined Hull City and Wrexham in the race to secure Gelhardt’s signature. However, as MOT Leeds News has reported, Leeds United are hesitant to loan the 22-year-old to another Championship club, even though multiple teams in the EFL are reportedly lining up to take him. Leeds’ reluctance to strengthen potential rivals within the league is understandable, particularly with their ambitions to return to the Premier League, but it complicates matters for Gelhardt as he looks to reignite his career with consistent first-team football.

Sending Gelhardt on loan would be a logical move for all parties. For the player, it’s a chance to regain match sharpness, develop further, and showcase his potential in a competitive setting. For Leeds, it alleviates the frustration of having a promising young talent stagnate on the bench while also potentially boosting his value for future considerations. Whether the club sees Gelhardt as a long-term asset or a player who might be sold for a profit, allowing him to spend the second half of the season playing regular football will only benefit his trajectory.

Luton Town’s interest is particularly intriguing, as they are a club with clear ambitions. Although currently without a permanent manager, the Hatters would view Gelhardt as a valuable addition to their squad as they look to secure safety in the Championship. Their longer-term goal of returning to the Premier League makes the move even more attractive, as Gelhardt would be joining a club that could give him a platform to thrive under high-stakes conditions. Hull City and Wrexham, on the other hand, also present viable options. Hull, competing in the Championship, could offer a similar level of challenge, while Wrexham’s ambitious ownership and rise through the football pyramid make them an appealing destination, even in League Two.

Financially, a loan move could also be a smart decision for Leeds. Clubs interested in Gelhardt will be closely monitoring his development, and a successful loan spell could increase his market value, potentially leading to a profitable permanent transfer down the line. However, Leeds will need to weigh their options carefully. Loaning him to a Championship rival could backfire if Gelhardt’s performances end up benefiting their competition in the promotion race, but sending him to a lower-league side might not offer the same level of challenge necessary to accelerate his growth.

Ultimately, the biggest concern for Leeds should be ensuring Gelhardt doesn’t remain stuck at Elland Road for the rest of the season. With his pathway to regular minutes blocked, keeping him in the squad serves little purpose for either the player or the club. Allowing him to go on loan would free up a spot in the matchday squad and give Farke greater flexibility in squad management. From Gelhardt’s perspective, sitting on the bench or playing sporadically in the U21s would be a frustrating step back in his career development.

The decision over where Gelhardt ends up before the window closes could prove pivotal in shaping his future. Whether it’s Luton, Hull, Wrexham, or another club that swoops in late, the opportunity to play regular football is something the young forward desperately needs. For Leeds, the focus must be on sending him to a team that can provide the right balance of competitive minutes and development opportunities, ensuring that his talent doesn’t go to waste. With time running out in the January window, a resolution will likely emerge soon, as Leeds look to finalize the best possible outcome for one of their brightest young prospects.