Joe Gelhardt wants to leave Leeds after Rangers update

Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 4:00 p.m., United Kingdom

Joe Gelhardt wants to leave Leeds United in search of first-team football in the January transfer window amid links with a move to Rangers.

That’s according to former Man United chief scout and Sir Alex Ferguson’s number two, Mick Brown, who remains very well connected within the game, as he has exclusively told. Football Insider that the Gers are closely monitoring the attacker’s situation.

This comes after Football Insider revealed on November 30 that the Scottish side would face competition from Championship sides in their race to sign the 22-year-old.

However, Brown suggested that Rangers’ regular participation in Europe could give them the advantage of beating English sides for his signature.

Gelhardt is keen to leave Elland Road after playing just 72 minutes of football in all competitions so far this season.

He fell behind Mateo Joseph, Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford in the pecking order and struggled to make an impact in his limited minutes under Daniel Farke.

As a result, he could push to move away in January, and the Rangers are ready to step in if he becomes available.

Rangers set to go after Joe Gelhardt after Leeds twist

Sources said Football Insider that Leeds are still considering whether to let Gelhardt leave on loan or on a permanent deal and will make a decision before the window opens.

Brown, who has a wealth of experience recruiting high-profile players, including more than a decade at Man United during its most successful period, insisted the promise of regular game time would tempt the attacker from north of the border.

“Rangers now need to look at different types of players,” he said Football insider.

“You wouldn’t have thought before that they would go after a player who can’t get into the Leeds team, but that’s their reality at the moment.

“Joe Gelhardt is a talented player, he had a very good reputation a few years ago.

“But he struggled to make a big impact or break into this field.

“He doesn’t play regularly for Leeds, and from what I’ve been told he would be interested in a move.

“As far as Rangers are concerned, he’s the type of player they need to keep an eye on.

“If Leeds let him leave in January, even if it’s only on loan, they’ll be ready to swoop.

“They are not the only club interested, but they will rely on to win this race.

“They also play in Europe, whether it’s the Champions League, the Europa League or even the Conference League, which is always a draw for the players.“

Elsewhere, Rangers are “looking at some very smart loan signings” in January.

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