Ex-Leeds United star urges rarely-seen player to seek Elland Road exit | OneFootball

Joe Gelhardt has fallen down the pecking order at Leeds United under Daniel Farke

David Norris has urged Joe Gelhardt to push for a move away from Leeds United in order to kickstart his career.

The forward has made just two league appearances from the Whites’ opening nine league games, coming off the bench on both occasions.

Gelhardt has been at Elland Road since making the switch from Wigan Athletic in 2020, having come through the Latics’ academy system, but he has struggled for regular first team minutes in that time.

The 22-year-old made his competitive debut for Leeds in September 2021 in an EFL Cup match against Fulham.

But he has since gone on to make 47 league appearances across four full campaigns, plus the start of this term, while also having a spell on loan with Sunderland in 2022/23.

Joe Gelhardt urged to pursue Leeds exit

Norris has claimed that now is the right time for Gelhardt to pursue the next step of his career elsewhere.

While he has sympathised with the young striker, he feels now is the time to change clubs in a bid to earn regular football.

“I think it’s the right time now for Gelhardt to move on as soon as he can,” said Norris, via MOT Leeds News.

“It’s been a couple of years now of inconsistent football for him, and you get the feeling maybe that he’s had enough and isn’t invested anymore.

“I feel for him as he did well in parts in the Premier League, but now he’s at the age when you want to be playing consistently and he’s not going to get enough game time at Leeds.”

Gelhardt’s two league appearances this season have come against Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich City, coming on in the closing stages of both fixtures.

He also started the team’s 3-0 EFL Cup loss to Middlesbrough in August, featuring for just over an hour.

Leeds United league position

Leeds are hoping to fight for promotion back to the Premier League this season, with the team currently sitting fifth in the table.

A 2-2 draw with Sunderland in their previous fixture has left the Whites two points off top spot going into the October international break.

Gelhardt was on the bench for their trip to the Stadium of Light, but did not make an appearance.

Next up for the Yorkshire outfit is a clash at home to rivals Sheffield United on 18 October.

Gelhardt should be considering January move

At 22, Gelhardt now needs to be playing games consistently if he’s going to develop his game and become a top talent.

He’s clearly not in favour at Leeds, behind the likes of Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph in the pecking order, plus there's Patrick Bamford to find form and fitness.

It would have to take an injury crisis at this stage for him to receive game time under Daniel Farke, as it’s clear he otherwise has no use for the youngster.

So a move in January could be on the cards on the basis of his lack of minutes, and another loan deal could even be an ideal short-term solution, given he still has a contract with Leeds until 2027.