21-year-old Leeds United player could return to his former club

Joe Gelhardt was an unused sub again last night as Leeds United beat Norwich City, as he struggles to get any game time under Daniel Farke – and he could end up back at Wigan Athletic this month.

That is according to transfer expert Graeme Bailey, who expects Gelhardt, 21, will be on his way out of the club before the end of the window. The striker has played once since September, just five minutes.

Gelhardt has had to endure a number of frustrating injuries but it is clear that he is only a back-up option for Leeds if there are injuries. Georginio Rutter, Patrick Bamford and Joel Piroe are all ahead of Gelhardt.

It was expected to be a season in which Gelhardt might shine, benefitting from the club being relegated. But it has just not happened with Rutter and Bamford staying, and the club spending big to sign Piroe.

LeedsUnited.News spoke to journalist Bailey this week and he says that League One side Peterborough have been mentioned as a possible move – as could a return to Wigan. Bailey says he is on big wages.

“Interesting one, hasn’t kicked on. He’s on big, big money for the Championship from what I’m told. His squad status belies his wage bracket. That’s an issue for Leeds, they’ll have to cover a lot of that wage.

“Peterborough have been mentioned to me. It sounds horrible to joke but it is a matter of time before he heads back to Wigan – maybe one for the summer. Could he go there this month? Wouldn’t rule it out.”

Gelhardt’s name has been linked with a whole host of clubs this month. Plymouth have already raided Leeds for Darko Gyabi – while also signing Adam Forshaw. They are linked with a move for the striker.

Blackburn, Hull and Preston are also keen – while he has been linked with Celtic and Rangers but there are doubts over whether Leeds are allowed to rubber stamp another non-English loan. He has interest.

Whether he does end up leaving Leeds this month, or whether he stays and fights for his place and potentially hopes for an injury in the final third – remains to be seen. We’ll find out in the next few days.