Report: Joe Gelhardt on verge of handing Leeds huge boost

By Jordan Harris

Leeds United fans may have to wait a little longer for the arrival of a new forward, but there is one striker announcement that the Whites may be able to make imminently.

According to The Sun on Sunday (24/7; page 61), Joe Gelhardt is on the verge of signing a new contract at Elland Road.

Gelhardt has been an outstanding signing for Leeds. He only cost the club £700,000 as Wigan were struggling financially. And he has gone on to prove an inspired addition.

Marcelo Bielsa held off on handing the 20-year-old his debut. But he is most certainly now a key part of the first-team fold at Leeds.

Gelhardt scored two Premier League goals last season, including the dramatic winner against Norwich City. But perhaps his most brilliant moment of the campaign came when he set up Pascal Struijk on the penultimate weekend with some outrageous skill.

It could be a real breakout season for Gelhardt this coming year. And he looks set to celebrate that by penning a new contract.

The Sun on Sunday reports that he is now set to sign a new five-year contract. His wages meanwhile, will go from £16,000-a-week to over £25,000-a-week.

Leeds set for massive boost with Gelhardt agreeing new contract

Of course, Gelhardt is not yet the finished article. And Jesse Marsch will be wary of demanding too much of him too soon. Like Bielsa, Marsch did not immediately rush him into his plans.

However, he is a special talent, already showing signs of ‘incredible‘ quality.

Obviously, a five-year deal ends speculation about his future for a little while. But it would not be a surprise if it was not too long before Leeds felt compelled to open talks with him once again about another new contract.