Joe Gelhardt has officially completed his permanent transfer to Hull City, bringing an end to his spell with Leeds United and rewarding a successful loan campaign with the Tigers.
Hull have agreed a £6.5 million deal plus add-ons with Leeds for the 24-year-old forward, who spent last season at the club and played a major role in their promotion-winning campaign.
Gelhardt finished the season with 15 goals, helping Hull secure their return to the Premier League.
His performances quickly made him a popular figure among supporters, and the forward has now made it clear that he wanted his future to remain at the MKM Stadium.
The permanent agreement represents a significant investment from Hull as they prepare to compete in the Premier League.
Gelhardt admitted that there was little doubt about where he wanted to play once the promotion celebrations were over.
The forward says his relationship with the club’s supporters, players and staff made the decision straightforward.
“I’m over the moon. It’s been a great 18 months playing here – I’ve loved every minute of it.
“Since the season ended, I knew exactly where I wanted to be. Thankfully, it’s happened.
“As soon as I joined the club, I connected with the fans, the staff, all the players. I’m happy to be here on a permanent now, rather than a loan.”
The move also gives Gelhardt the opportunity to test himself at Premier League level with a club where he already feels completely settled.
Hull’s promotion campaign was built on resilience and togetherness, with Gelhardt highlighting how outsiders had underestimated their chances.
The forward believes the belief inside the dressing room ultimately proved decisive, particularly during their dramatic Wembley success.
“Last season was amazing for everyone involved. A lot of people wrote us off and didn’t believe we could do it. We knew the quality we had and there was such a togetherness at the club.
“I was delighted with the way it happened at Wembley, in the last minute. It was brilliant!”
That Wembley triumph secured Hull’s return to the top flight and provided the perfect ending to Gelhardt’s loan spell.
Now, the forward gets the chance to write the next chapter in Hull colours.
Gelhardt’s comments underline just how strongly he felt about remaining with the Tigers.
Rather than returning to Leeds or exploring other opportunities, the striker says his preference was clear from the moment Hull made their intentions known.
“Everyone is aware of how much love I have for Hull. Once the owner called, it was always going to be Hull.”
For Hull, securing Gelhardt’s signature is more than simply adding another forward to their squad.
His familiarity with the club, understanding of the team’s demands and proven contribution during the promotion campaign could make him an important figure as Hull prepare for life back in the Premier League.
The £6.5m initial fee also underlines the club’s confidence in his ability to make the step up.
Gelhardt now has a fresh opportunity to establish himself on the biggest domestic stage — and he will do it in familiar surroundings.
Hull wanted him. Gelhardt wanted Hull. Now the Premier League gets to see what he can do.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
