Ilicali sets sights on Gelhardt: Hull owner confirms permanent move ambition

Hull City owner Acun Ilicali has publicly declared his intent to sign Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt on a permanent basis, labelling the 23-year-old as 'special'. The Turkish businessman's comments, reported by the Yorkshire Post, underline Hull's aggressive pursuit of the forward following a successful loan spell.

Why Gelhardt fits Hull's tactical blueprint

Gelhardt's loan at Hull this season has been transformative. Under manager Liam Rosenior, the team employs a fluid 4-3-3 system that relies on a mobile centre-forward to press from the front and link play. Gelhardt's work rate and technical ability in tight spaces make him ideal for this role. Since joining in January, he has contributed 4 goals and 3 assists in 12 appearances, helping Hull climb to 6th in the Championship. His expected goals (xG) per 90 minutes sits at 0.45, outperforming the league average for strikers (0.38).

Leeds United, however, face a dilemma. Gelhardt's contract at Elland Road runs until 2027, and the club values him at around £10-12 million. Hull's promotion push adds pressure; if they go up, a permanent deal becomes almost certain. If not, Ilicali's wealth—he is worth an estimated £200 million—could still force a move.

Transfer market context and FPL implications

The transfer fee would be a club-record for Hull, surpassing the £7 million paid for Ryan Longman in 2021. Comparably, Brighton signed João Pedro from Watford for £30 million last summer—Gelhardt represents a similar profile but at a lower cost. For Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers, if Hull reach the Premier League, Gelhardt would likely be priced at £5.5-6.0 million, offering value as a third striker given his ownership currently at 2.3% in the Championship version of the game. Hull's upcoming fixtures include key matches against Coventry and Middlesbrough, which could shape Gelhardt's final loan contribution.

  • Gelhardt's pressing stats: 2.1 tackles per game, 7.3 pressures per 90 – top 5% among Championship forwards.
  • Hull have won 4 of their last 6 with Gelhardt starting, averaging 1.8 goals per game in those matches.
  • Leeds have no buy-back clause in the loan, making a permanent sale likely if Hull meet valuation.

What next for Gelhardt and Hull?

Hull face a crucial run-in: they trail 2nd-placed Leicester by 5 points with 8 games remaining. If promotion is secured, Ilicali has promised to 'open the cheque book' for Gelhardt. If not, the player may seek Premier League football elsewhere—Everton and Crystal Palace have been linked. The decision will likely hinge on a bidding war this summer, with Leeds holding firm on their price tag. One thing is clear: Gelhardt's future lies away from Leeds, and Hull are leading the race.

Another angle: Gelhardt's move could trigger a chain reaction. If Hull sign him, they might sell Liam Delap to fund the deal, with Manchester City holding a buy-back clause. This would reshape Hull's attack and impact their promotion hopes. For Leeds, the Gelhardt sale could bankroll a summer rebuild under manager Daniel Farke, who has prioritised a new left-back and winger.

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