Gelhardt returns to Hull on loan
The 23 year old is a firm fans favourite
Hull City are delighted to announce the return of versatile forward Joe Gelhardt on a season-long loan from Leeds United.
The 23-year-old made a significant impact on loan at the MKM Stadium during the second half of last season, finishing as our joint-second top scorer with five goals in 20 appearances.
A popular figure among his Tigers teammates, Gelhardt quickly endeared himself to the City faithful with a spectacular half-volley on his full and home debut against Queens Park Rangers.
The dynamic attacker scored vital goals in home wins over Plymouth Argyle, Oxford United and Preston North End, in which he converted two penalties, to help us retain our Championship status.
The Liverpudlian’s first career goal came against the Tigers for his first club Wigan Athletic in a 2-2 draw in September 2019, 13 months after making his professional debut aged 16.
Featuring on 21 occasions for the Latics, the former England youth international moved to Elland Road in August 2020 and has made 57 appearances for the Whites.
Gelhardt played 35 Premier League matches for Leeds across the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons, netting against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and a stoppage-time winner at home to Norwich City.
The left-footer appeared 20 times during a half-season loan at Sunderland in 2022/23, bagging one of three Black Cats strikes against City in an exhilarating 4-4 draw at the Stadium of Light.
Gelhardt said: “It feels amazing. I made it clear I wanted to come back here.
“I loved my time here last year – everyone was so welcoming and friendly. It’s a great club to be at, and the lads have spoken very highly of the new manager.
“The people here, the city, the fans – everything about last season was just the perfect match. I was probably the happiest I’ve been in my football career during the last few months I spent here last year.
“It’s a season-long loan this time, so being in from the start and having a whole year with the lads is going to be better than three or four months.
“We know we can do a lot better than last season. With the new signings, we’ve got a lot of quality in the team.
“I was back with Leeds for pre-season and played a few games – 45, 60 and 90 minutes, so I’m feeling fitter than I’ve ever been.
“Thanks to the fans for the support from last year. I’m made up to be back and the fans played a big part in that.”