Hull City sign Joe Gelhardt on permanent deal from Leeds United
He's signed a four-year contract
Hull City have confirmed the return of forward Joe Gelhardt on a permanent deal from Leeds United for a reported initial fee of £6.5 million.
He's signed a four-year contract at the MKM Stadium with the option of a further year.
The 24-year-old was instrumental in the Tigers’ promotion to the Premier League last season - scoring 15 times.
His goal contribution was second only to Wembley hero Oli McBurnie, with one of his notable moments being scoring the decisive goal in the playoff semi-final success against Millwall.
Gelhardt originally joined Hull City on loan in January 2025 and made an immediate impact by scoring a stunning half-volley on his full debut against Queens Park Rangers.
His performances helped the team narrowly evade relegation during the 2024/25 season, notably with goals against Plymouth Argyle, Oxford United, and Preston North End - finishing as joint-second top scorer with five goals in 20 matches.
Rejoining on loan last summer, Gelhardt scored the season's first league goal in a thrilling 3-2 win over Oxford and went on to score eight goals in 10 matches between mid-October and early December.
A standout goal against Leicester City won him October's Championship Goal of the Month award, underscoring his impact across 44 appearances during the season.
Gelhardt arrives with Premier League experience, having played 35 times for Leeds United across the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons.
Expressing his excitement about returning to Hull City, Gelhardt said, “I’m over the moon. It’s been a great 18 months playing here – I’ve loved every minute of it."
Reflecting on his bond with the club, he added, “As soon as I joined the club, I connected with the fans, the staff, all the players. I’m happy to be here on a permanent now, rather than a loan."
Hull City's owner reached out after the season, making Gelhardt's decision clear, "Once the owner called, it was always going to be Hull."
Now set to compete in the Premier League, he looks forward to the challenge, saying, "Now we’re in the Premier League, everyone is excited to play against the best and test ourselves."
Gelhardt thanked the fans for their unwavering support, saying, "Thanks to the fans for their support and the love you have shown me. Here’s to another four years!”