Wrexham have opened formal discussions with Leeds United over a move for Joe Gelhardt , with Phil Parkinson's side making their push in the closing stretch of the summer window. That's according to James Oakley of The Athletic , who reports that Wrexham are pushing hard after Birmingham City pulled back from a deal for the 24-year-old forward. Hull City are also stepping up their pursuit, and Leeds United are holding firm. They want at least £7 million to let Gelhardt go. A three-club race is now fully live.
SALFORD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 29: Joe Gelhardt of Leeds United reacts during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Salford City and Leeds United at Peninsula Stadium on August 29, 2023 in Salford, England. (Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images)
It absolutely is. Gelhardt spent the entirety of 2025/26 on loan at Hull City, and he was nothing short of outstanding. He scored 15 goals and supplied three assists across 43 appearances, playing a central role in Hull's promotion back to the top flight. He started in their 1-0 Championship Play-Off Final win over Middlesbrough at Wembley. A homegrown forward, capped at England U21 level, entering his physical prime with that kind of pedigree? £7m isn't steep. It's market rate.
Gelhardt enters the final 12 months of his Elland Road contract and is completely surplus to Daniel Farke 's requirements. That sounds like a situation ripe for a cut-price exit, but it isn't, not with three clubs active and genuine competitive tension forming. Leeds hold multi-club leverage here.
Hull want him back after he fired them into the Premier League. Birmingham remain lurking despite going quiet. Wrexham, backed by Hollywood money and desperate to reach the top flight after falling short in the play-offs last season, need a forward of Gelhardt's profile, badly.
Parkinson's side paying a premium isn't optional; it's the cost of jumping the queue. And Leeds United selling cheap to a well-funded rival who can just resell or capitalise on the asset later? That'd be poor business. Holding out at £7m protects the club's financial position and correctly values a player the market is actively competing for.
