Hull City's Joe Gelhardt Hails 'Top Class' Birmingham City After Summer Transfer Snub
Hull City attacker Joe Gelhardt has praised Birmingham City for the way they handled their failed summer pursuit of him. The 24-year-old, who joined the Tigers permanently from Leeds United, revealed he thanked the Blues for their understanding after opting for a move to the MKM Stadium.
- Player: Joe Gelhardt, 24, Hull City attacker
- Story date: 14 October 2026
- Summer interest: Birmingham City tried to sign Gelhardt from Leeds United in August and had him booked in for a medical
- Outcome: Gelhardt instead joined Hull City following their promotion to the Premier League
- Quote: Gelhardt says Birmingham were "top class" during negotiations
- Latest: Gelhardt scored his first goal of the season in Hull's 2-2 draw with Everton
What was said
"I just thanked them because they were kind to me. They were nice the whole way through. They weren't putting pressure on me at all. I just said 'I appreciate your time but I've got a medical at Hull, hope you understand' sort of thing. And they did to be fair, they were top class so credit to them."
Gelhardt's Route to Hull City
Gelhardt spent a year-and-a-half on loan at the MKM Stadium before returning to Leeds United at the end of last season. He then spent a few months in limbo before Hull City, under head coach Sergej Jakirovic, launched a permanent swoop for his services. Birmingham City had tried to sign the forward from Leeds United in August and had him booked in for a medical, but the deal ultimately fell through.
The ex-England youth international has now credited the Blues for their professionalism throughout the process. His decision to join the Tigers followed their promotion to the Premier League, and he is only now starting to get minutes for Jakirovic's side after a disrupted pre-season. Gelhardt scored his first goal of the campaign against Everton last time out as Hull drew 2-2.
Birmingham City's Summer Business
Birmingham City will have seen Gelhardt as someone to bolster their attacking department. He would have injected more quality into their options at the top end of the pitch. Nevertheless, they are well stocked in that area at this moment in time, with the likes of Demarai Gray, Patrick Roberts and Jay Stansfield among those at their disposal.
The Midlands outfit swooped to sign Liam Millar on loan from Hull City on deadline day. He has since become a key player under the guidance of Chris Davies and has adapted well to life in his new surroundings. Birmingham are positioned in 3rd place in the Championship table behind Swansea City and Middlesbrough, and they beat Preston North End 4-0 on Tuesday night.
Talking points
- Gelhardt's gratitude: The forward's public thanks to Birmingham City highlights a respectful transfer saga, with the Blues reportedly not pressuring him during negotiations.
- Hull's attacking options: Gelhardt's first goal of the season against Everton suggests he is finding fitness after a limited pre-season, offering Jakirovic a timely boost.
- Birmingham's response: Despite missing out on Gelhardt, Birmingham sit 3rd in the Championship and have added Liam Millar on loan from Hull, who has become a key player under Chris Davies.
What happens next
Joe Gelhardt will look to build on his first goal of the season as Hull City continue their Premier League campaign under Sergej Jakirovic. Birmingham City, meanwhile, will focus on their Championship promotion push, with Chris Davies' side sitting 3rd in the table. The Blues are next in action against Preston North End and QPR, according to their upcoming fixtures.
Frequently asked questions
Did Birmingham City try to sign Joe Gelhardt in the summer?
Yes. Birmingham City tried to sign Gelhardt from Leeds United in August and had him booked in for a medical, but the deal did not go through. He instead joined Hull City following their promotion to the Premier League.
What did Joe Gelhardt say about Birmingham City?
Gelhardt said: "I just thanked them because they were kind to me. They were nice the whole way through. They weren't putting pressure on me at all. I just said 'I appreciate your time but I've got a medical at Hull, hope you understand' sort of thing. And they did to be fair, they were top class so credit to them."
How has Joe Gelhardt performed for Hull City this season?
Gelhardt didn't have much of a pre-season and is only now starting to get minutes for the Tigers. He scored his first goal of the campaign against Everton last time out as Jakirovic's men drew 2-2.
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