Wrexham Engages in Negotiations with Leeds United for Joe Gelhardt
Wrexham has initiated formal negotiations with Leeds United regarding the transfer of forward Joe Gelhardt, as the summer transfer window approaches its conclusion. According to James Oakley of The Athletic, Wrexham is intensifying its efforts after Birmingham City opted out of a potential deal for the 24-year-old player. Hull City is also increasing its interest in Gelhardt, while Leeds United stands firm on their asking price, which is set at a minimum of £7 million. The situation has now evolved into a competitive three-club race for the forward.
In exploring Leeds United’s £7 million asking price, it appears justified given Gelhardt’s recent performance. He had an impressive loan spell at Hull City during the 2025/26 season, where he scored 15 goals and added three assists in 43 matches. His contributions were integral in helping Hull achieve promotion back to the Premier League, culminating in a starting role during their Championship Play-Off Final victory over Middlesbrough.
As Gelhardt enters the final year of his contract at Elland Road, he finds himself surplus to the requirements of manager Daniel Farke. While this scenario may suggest a potential for a discounted transfer, the presence of multiple interested clubs creates a different dynamic. Leeds United currently possesses leverage in these negotiations.
Hull City is eager to bring Gelhardt back after his pivotal role in their promotion, while Birmingham City remains a potential contender despite recent silence. Wrexham, backed by Hollywood investments and keen to secure a Premier League spot after narrowly missing out last season, is actively seeking a player of Gelhardt’s caliber.
For Wrexham to secure Gelhardt’s services, paying a premium may be necessary. Selling him at a lower price to a financially capable rival like Wrexham, which could later capitalize on the asset, would not be a favorable business decision for Leeds United. Thus, maintaining the £7 million asking price not only safeguards Leeds’ financial interests but also accurately reflects the competitive nature surrounding the player in the current market.
Wrexham have opened formal discussions with Leeds United over a move for Joe Gelhardt, with Phil Parkinson’s side making their push in the closing stretch of the summer window. That’s according to James Oakley of The Athletic, who reports that Wrexham are pushing hard after Birmingham City pulled back from a deal for the 24-year-old forward. Hull City are also stepping up their pursuit, and Leeds United are holding firm. They want at least £7 million to let Gelhardt go. A three-club race is now fully live.
T4O take: Leeds United’s £7m asking price: is it justified?
SALFORD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 29: Joe Gelhardt of Leeds United reacts during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Salford City and Leeds United at Peninsula Stadium on August 29, 2023 in Salford, England. (Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images)
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It absolutely is. Gelhardt spent the entirety of 2025/26 on loan at Hull City, and he was nothing short of outstanding. He scored 15 goals and supplied three assists across 43 appearances, playing a central role in Hull’s promotion back to the top flight. He started in their 1-0 Championship Play-Off Final win over Middlesbrough at Wembley. A homegrown forward, capped at England U21 level, entering his physical prime with that kind of pedigree? £7m isn’t steep. It’s market rate.
Why Leeds United can’t afford to budge
Gelhardt enters the final 12 months of his Elland Road contract and is completely surplus to Daniel Farke‘s requirements. That sounds like a situation ripe for a cut-price exit, but it isn’t, not with three clubs active and genuine competitive tension forming. Leeds hold multi-club leverage here.
Hull want him back after he fired them into the Premier League. Birmingham remain lurking despite going quiet. Wrexham, backed by Hollywood money and desperate to reach the top flight after falling short in the play-offs last season, need a forward of Gelhardt’s profile, badly.
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Parkinson’s side paying a premium isn’t optional; it’s the cost of jumping the queue. And Leeds United selling cheap to a well-funded rival who can just resell or capitalise on the asset later? That’d be poor business. Holding out at £7m protects the club’s financial position and correctly values a player the market is actively competing for.
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