Sunderland's chances of re-signing Joe Gelhardt from Leeds United revealed

Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt spent the second half of the 2022/23 season on loan at Sunderland.

Sunderland went into the January transfer window desperately needing attacking reinforcements. A few were needed after the Black Cats saw Ellis Simms recalled by Everton in the first half of the season, and then with Ross Stewart picking up a long-term injury, but Tony Mowbray had to make do with the one striker signing.

Gelhardt, 21, went on to feature 20 times in Championship fixtures for Sunderland, scoring three and assisting three more. He undoubtedly struggled in front of goal but the Englishman was a workhorse in attack, and he'd be a good player to have around the team going into the 2023/24 campaign.

But an emerging report from The Northern Echo has revealed that Gelhardt is unlikely to return to Sunderland next season - unless Leeds United can somehow avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The Yorkshire side are currently managed by a former Black Cats boss in Sam Allardyce. He was brought in at the start of this month but in three fixtures at the helm, Leeds United have only taken one point, and now they sit two points adrift in 19th going into the final game of the season.

What next for Gelhardt?

Leeds United don't look likely to beat the drop. It would take a pretty miraculous final day for them to do so, with Leeds going up against Spurs but also relying on the likes of Leicester City and Everton to not win.

So for Gelhardt, it looks like he could have a place in the Leeds first-team next season. And whoever the Leeds boss is next time round will know that Gelhardt is a player with real potential - his game is a bit rough around the edges, but Gelhardt has the attributes of a striker who could be really prolific at Championship level.

What next for Gelhardt?

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