Norwich City must seek big Leeds United favour in January amid Josh Sargent situation | OneFootball

Joe Gelhardt could be a sound addition at Norwich City, but it would require a big Leeds United favour.

Norwich City currently sit 14th in the Championship table during the November international break, after enduring a run of six games without a win, and three consecutive defeats.

Things were looking up for the Canaries when they enjoyed a seven-game unbeaten run across late September and the entirety of October, which included convincing wins over Watford and Hull City, 4-1 and 4-0 respectively, as well as a 3-2 triumph at Derby County.

But a lack of consistency has left Johannes Hoff Thorup's men seven points adrift of the play-off places, which is non-ideal for a side who are vying to land a top-six spot for the second time in as many seasons.

Meanwhile, the Canaries boast Championship top scorer Borja Sainz among their ranks, who has bagged 11 of his club's 23 goals in the second tier this season, as well as providing two assists.

But it is unrealistic for the Norfolk outfit to expect the Spaniard to continue providing over 50% of his side's goal contributions throughout the campaign, while a recent groin injury suffered by striker Josh Sargent certainly doesn't help matters.

Canaries should look for Leeds United favour amid Sargent situation

Prior to suffering his groin problem, which is due to keep him out of action until the new year, Sargent had produced an impressive return of four goals and five assists in 12 Championship outings so far this term, which shows how important he can be when he is fit for action.

But the USA international's injury struggles are all too familiar for those associated with the Canaries, as he missed 28 games last season following ankle surgery.

The 24-year-old is clearly injury prone, and Hoff Thorup must seek an alternative option come the January transfer window in an effort to sustain a serious play-off bid.

One talented player the Canaries could sign to bolster their forward line is Leeds ace Joe Gelhardt, who is clearly out of favour at Elland Road, and has played just nine minutes of Championship action this season.

The 22-year-old has never been high up the pecking order in West Yorkshire since the arrival of Whites boss Daniel Farke ahead of last campaign, and made just two league starts during 2023/24.

However, his talent is still clear for all to see, as during a 2022/23 loan spell with Sunderland, he scored three goals and made three assists in 20 Championship appearances to fire the Black Cats to a play-off spot, while he has also scored two Premier League goals for the Whites.

The Canaries should look to capitalise on Gelhardt's lack of gametime in an effort to lure him to Carrow Road, but such a deal would require a massive favour from the Whites.

Whether the Norfolk outfit would like to sign the 22-year-old on a loan basis or on a permanent deal, the West Yorkshire side could be reluctant to hand a gifted player to a potential direct play-off rival.

While the Whites may fancy their automatic promotion credentials this time around, after narrowly missing out last season, it may be difficult to land a top-two spot amid the impressive form of Sheffield United, and the perhaps unexpectedly strong start to the campaign made by Sunderland under new boss Regis Le Bris.

Gelhardt could be keen for a move in January

While Gelhardt can operate as both a wideman and as a forward, his versatility does not necessarily favour him among a Whites squad which boasts talented strikers such as Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe, as well as gifted wingers like Wilfried Gnonto and Dan James.

He is struggling for game time at Elland Road, and there is no doubt that he would be keen on either a loan move, or a permanent switch come January, if a club like the Canaries, who would seemingly be able to offer him more game time, come knocking.

But the Whites would have the final say, and may be reluctant to essentially hand a fellow play-off hopeful a gifted player who could help the Canaries in their own promotion quest.