Joe Gelhardt: Hull City hijacked Birmingham City medical, says Leeds United loanee

Joe Gelhardt has revealed he was due for a medical at Birmingham City in August before Hull City hijacked the deal. The 24-year-old signed a long-term contract at the MKM Stadium until June 2030 after leaving Leeds United, and says a late-night FaceTime call from owner Acun Ilıcalı sealed his move to East Yorkshire.

Player: Joe Gelhardt, 24, forward, signed from Leeds United
Contract: Long-term deal at Hull City until June 2030
Birmingham City: Was set for a medical the next day before Hull City intervened
Owner call: Acun Ilıcalı FaceTimed Gelhardt at around 11pm the night before
Hull City form: Eight points from their first five Premier League outings
Gelhardt appearances: Two for the Tigers this term, including off the bench against Newcastle United

What was said

"As time went on I was thinking 'are Hull ever going to come knocking?', it's not nice the unknown, but when they did call it was such a relief and it was a no-brainer. It was late at night, I was ready for anything, I was on the phone to my agent all the time.. I think it was like 11 o'clock at night the owner (Acun Ilicali) FaceTimed me, I was in bed so I had to get up and sort myself out."
— Joe Gelhardt, speaking to BBC Humberside Sport on X

"I was going for a medical at Birmingham the next day when the owner (Acun Ilicali) rang so yeah, pretty close."
— Joe Gelhardt

The numbers

Gelhardt, who is from Liverpool, first joined Hull City in January 2025 and helped them avoid relegation to League One in his first campaign. He then returned to the Tigers for a second spell and played a key role in their shock promotion last term. Jakirovic's men had a transfer embargo which meant they weren't able to spend fees on players, yet their tight-knit group managed to get over the line against the odds.

The former Wigan Athletic man has featured twice for the Tigers so far this term and came off the bench against Newcastle United before the international break. They have eight points on the board after their first five outings in the top flight.

Birmingham City signed Liam Millar on loan from Hull City on deadline day and he was a teammate of Gelhardt's with the Tigers. The Canada international has since adapted well to life in the Midlands and has become an important player already.

Why Hull City's late swoop for Gelhardt matters

Hull City's capture of Joe Gelhardt from Leeds United was not simply a transfer coup; it was a statement of intent from a newly promoted Premier League club. The Tigers, under Sergej Jakirovic, had just upset the odds by beating Middlesbrough in the Championship play-off final at Wembley in May. They did so while operating under a transfer embargo that prevented them from spending fees on players. Gelhardt's permanent arrival, therefore, represented a significant piece of business for a side still finding its feet in the top flight.

The fact that Birmingham City were so close to securing his signature adds an extra layer of intrigue. Gelhardt was ready to travel for a medical the following day when Acun Ilıcalı intervened. The owner's personal touch, a late-night FaceTime call, proved decisive. For Hull City supporters, it is a reminder of the ambition Ilıcalı has brought to the club since his arrival. For Birmingham City, it is another example of a deal that slipped away, though their own recruitment has since brought in Liam Millar on loan from the Tigers.

On the pitch, Gelhardt offers versatility. He can play on either flank or as an attacking midfielder, likes to cut in on his left foot, and his agility can cause real problems for defenders. Those attributes were evident in the Championship, and Hull City will hope they translate to the Premier League. He has made two appearances so far this season, including a cameo against Newcastle United, and will be pushing for more minutes as the campaign progresses.

Talking points

Hull City's ability to hijack a deal from Birmingham City shows the pulling power of the Premier League and the personal involvement of owner Acun Ilıcalı.
Gelhardt's decision to join the Tigers was influenced by his previous spells at the club, where he helped them avoid relegation and then win promotion.
Birmingham City's loss could be Hull City's gain, but the Blues have strengthened their own attack with Liam Millar, who arrived on loan from the Tigers on deadline day.

What happens next

Joe Gelhardt will continue to compete for a place in Sergej Jakirovic's Hull City side as they navigate their first Premier League season. The Tigers have eight points from five games and will look to build on that start. Birmingham City, meanwhile, will focus on their own Championship campaign under Chris Davies, with the likes of Jay Stansfield, Demarai Gray and Patrick Roberts available in attack. The Blues could rekindle their interest in Gelhardt down the line, but any future move would depend on what league they are in and how Hull City are doing.

Frequently asked questions

Did Joe Gelhardt nearly join Birmingham City?

Yes. Gelhardt has said he was going for a medical at Birmingham City the next day when Hull City owner Acun Ilıcalı rang him. He described the deal as "pretty close" before Hull City hijacked the move.

When did Joe Gelhardt sign for Hull City?

Gelhardt signed a long-term contract at the MKM Stadium running until June 2030. He first joined Hull City in January 2025 and returned for a second spell before making the move permanent from Leeds United.

How has Joe Gelhardt performed for Hull City this season?

He has featured twice for the Tigers so far this term and came off the bench against Newcastle United before the international break. Hull City have eight points from their first five Premier League outings.