Daniel Farke is reportedly open to allowing Joe Gelhardt to leave Leeds United on loan in January, according to Carlton Palmer, but Farke’s priority remains ensuring enough cover for the club’s push for promotion. Gelhardt, 22, has struggled for game time this season, making just three appearances and playing a mere nine minutes in the Championship, with Joel Piroe, Patrick Bamford, and Mateo Joseph ahead of him in the pecking order.
Scottish giants Rangers are among the clubs linked with taking Gelhardt on loan, and Palmer believes it would be a beneficial move for the striker to get regular playing time. “It makes sense that they allow him to go out on loan in January,” Palmer said. “Farke has other strikers in front of him, and loaning him out could help his development.”
However, Farke has emphasized that Leeds’ promotion aspirations are his primary focus, and with injuries unpredictable, keeping Gelhardt as cover is important. Farke is wary of weakening his squad, especially considering recent injury issues in other areas, such as midfield. While the forward line has several options, sending Gelhardt on loan would help him gain more experience and game time, which could ultimately benefit both the player and the club in the long term.
Leeds’ squad depth has been a concern, with Farke needing reliable backups, especially after the club had to sign Josuha Guilavogui following injuries to key players like Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev. Despite having sufficient numbers up front, the unpredictability of injuries means that Farke may hesitate to let Gelhardt go unless adequate reinforcements are secured.