Former Leeds Striker Gelhardt Signs Permanent Deal with Hal City

Hal City announced on Saturday that former Leeds United forward Joe Gelhardt has signed a permanent contract. The 24‑year‑old has agreed to a four‑year term, with an optional fifth year at the club’s discretion.

Gelhardt’s return marks the conclusion of a series of successful loan spells that saw him contribute 20 goals in 64 appearances for Hal City over the last 18 months. He finished the most recent season as the club’s second‑leading scorer, tallying 15 goals behind Oli McBurney.

The Liverpool‑born attacker first joined Hal on loan in January 2025, impressing immediately with a half‑volley strike against Queens Park Rangers on his full debut. He also scored against Plymouth Argyle, Oxford United and Preston North End, helping the club secure its Championship status.

After a loan stint last summer, Gelhardt opened the 2025/26 league campaign with a goal in a 3‑2 win over Oxford United. Between mid‑October and early December he recorded eight goals in ten matches, earning the Championship Goal of the Month accolade for his effort against Leicester City.

In total, Gelhardt played 44 matches across all competitions last season, starting 37 of them. His professional career began at Wigan Athletic before moving to Leeds United, where he made 35 Premier League appearances in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons.

Gelhardt said he was “very happy” to convert his loan spell into a permanent stay, adding that the past 18 months at Hal City have been “great” and that he immediately felt at home with the fans, staff and teammates.