Joe Gelhardt joins Hull City permanently from Leeds United
Synopsis
Hull City have turned Joe Gelhardt's loan romance into a permanent commitment — and the timing could not be more significant. The 24-year-old, who scored 20 goals across two stints and netted the play-off semi-final winner, is now Hull's marquee attacking bet for their Premier League return. For a newly promoted side, keeping the man who helped get them there is as important as any new signing.
Key Takeaways
Hull City have signed forward Joe Gelhardt permanently from Leeds United for an undisclosed fee, announced on 15 August .
Gelhardt has signed a four-year contract , with an option for a fifth year.
The 24-year-old scored 20 goals in 64 appearances across two loan spells at Hull over 18 months.
His 15 goals last season were second only to Oli McBurnie ; he also scored the decisive goal in the play-off semi-final against Millwall.
Gelhardt previously made 35 Premier League appearances for Leeds United across the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons.
Hull City have completed the permanent signing of forward Joe Gelhardt from Leeds United for an undisclosed fee, the Premier League newcomers confirmed on Saturday, 15 August. The 24-year-old has put pen to paper on a four-year contract at the MKM Stadium, with the club holding an option to extend the deal by a further year.
A Familiar Face Returns to the Tigers
Gelhardt's move is far from a leap into the unknown — the Liverpool-born forward spent two loan spells at Hull over the past 18 months, amassing 20 goals in 64 appearances across all competitions. His contribution was central to Hull's Championship promotion campaign last season, during which he registered 15 goals — second only to striker Oli McBurnie in the club's scoring charts.
Most memorably, Gelhardt scored the decisive second goal in Hull's play-off semi-final second-leg victory over Millwall, helping the club reach Wembley and ultimately seal top-flight promotion in dramatic fashion.
A Journey That Began in January 2025
Gelhardt first arrived at Hull on loan in January 2025, immediately catching the eye with a spectacular half-volley on his full debut against Queens Park Rangers. He went on to score against Plymouth Argyle, Oxford United, and Preston North End, finishing that initial stint with five goals in 20 appearances as Hull secured their Championship status.
He returned on loan the following summer and opened his account for the 2025/26 season in a dramatic 3-2 win over Oxford United. A prolific run between mid-October and early December saw him net eight goals in 10 appearances, including a flowing team move finish against Leicester City that earned him the Championship Goal of the Month for October. Across last season in total, he made 44 appearances, including 37 starts.
From Wigan to Leeds to the Premier League
Gelhardt began his senior career at Wigan Athletic before joining Leeds United, where he made 35 Premier League appearances across the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons. The permanent switch to Hull now marks his first top-flight move on a full transfer, and his first chance to establish himself in the Premier League as a first-choice starter rather than a squad player.
What Gelhardt Said
'I'm over the moon. It's been a great 18 months playing here — I've loved every minute of it. Since the season ended, I knew exactly where I wanted to be. Thankfully, it's happened,' Gelhardt said. He added that the connection he built with supporters and staff made the decision straightforward: '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 basis now, rather than a loan.'
Reflecting on last season's promotion, Gelhardt credited the squad's collective belief: 'A lot of people wrote us off and didn't believe we could do it. We knew the quality we had, and there was such a togetherness at the club. I was delighted with the way it happened at Wembley, in the last minute. It was brilliant!'
With Hull now preparing for Premier League football, the forward is eyeing a new challenge: 'Now we're in the Premier League, everyone is excited to play against the best and test ourselves.'
Hull City's first Premier League season will test the squad's depth significantly, and Gelhardt's goals — built on familiarity with the club's system and personnel — will be critical to their survival bid.
Point of View
Continuity-first approach to Premier League survival. The 20-goal return across loan spells is a strong base, but the real question is whether a forward who thrived in the Championship can replicate that output against top-flight defences — something his Leeds stint, largely from the bench, left unanswered. Newly promoted sides that retain their promotion core tend to outperform those who rebuild wholesale, but Hull will need Gelhardt to deliver at a higher level, not just sustain his Championship form.
NationPress
15 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the transfer fee for Joe Gelhardt's move to Hull City?
The transfer fee for Joe Gelhardt's permanent move from Leeds United to Hull City has not been disclosed by either club. Hull confirmed the signing on 15 August without revealing financial terms.
How long is Joe Gelhardt's contract at Hull City?
Gelhardt has signed a four-year contract with Hull City, with the club holding an option to extend his stay by a further year, potentially keeping him at the club until 2030.
What did Joe Gelhardt achieve at Hull City on loan?
Across two loan spells over 18 months, Gelhardt scored 20 goals in 64 appearances. His 15 goals last season ranked second at the club, and he scored the decisive goal in Hull's play-off semi-final victory over Millwall that helped secure their promotion to the Premier League.
What is Joe Gelhardt's Premier League experience?
Gelhardt made 35 Premier League appearances for Leeds United across the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons before the club's relegation. His permanent move to Hull City now gives him a fresh opportunity to establish himself in the top flight.
Why did Joe Gelhardt choose Hull City over other clubs?
Gelhardt said he knew Hull City was his preferred destination as soon as last season ended, citing his connection with the fans, staff, and players built during his loan spells. 'Since the season ended, I knew exactly where I wanted to be,' he said.
