Rangers Plot Permanent Move For This Leeds United Outcast: Should Martin Make It Happen? | OneFootball

If a recent update from journalist Pete O’Rourke is believed to be true, Rangers are eyeing a permanent swoop for Joe Gelhardt. The young attacking ace is surplus to requirements at Elland Road, and Leeds United could offload him north of the border, with both clubs now owned by the 49ers.

The 23-year-old former England youth international progressed through Wigan’s academy ranks before breaking into their senior side during his teenage years. The Whites snapped him up for €1m in the summer of 2020, and then-boss Marcelo Bielsa eventually involved Gelhardt as a first-team option during the 2021-22 season.

Why The Youngster Should Ply His Trade To Rangers

Meanwhile, he was loaned out to Sunderland in January 2023 for regular gametime. He returned to West Yorkshire six months later, but hardly featured under Daniel Farke in their battle for Premier League promotion. He left for Hull City earlier this year on yet another temporary transfer and helped them escape relegation by netting five times in 20 Championship encounters.

LEEDS, ENGLAND – JANUARY 04: Leeds striker Joe Gelhardt (c) is challenged by West Ham players Nayef Aguerd (l) and Flynn Downes during the Premier League match between Leeds United and West Ham United at Elland Road on January 04, 2023 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Leeds, back in the top flight of English football, already have Brenden Aaronson for the ‘number 10’ spot. They are also closing in on Bilal El Khannouss, who might replace Aaronson in Farke’s 4-2-3-1 formation. The arrival of the Leicester City playmaker would further jeopardise Gelhardt’s future, and Lukas Nmecha, roped in on a Bosman, is expected to get the nod over the youngster as the understudy to Joël Piroe for the ‘number 9’ slot.

What He Would Offer Under Martin

But a move to Ibrox could help him fulfil his potential. He has not played a lot over the last couple of years, and therefore, must aim for a fresh start under the tutelage of Russell Martin in the blue half of Glasgow.

Rangers parted ways with Tom Lawrence and Ianis Hagi upon their contract expiry. Also, they did not convert Vaclav Cerny’s loan into a permanent deal. Djeidi Gassama and Mikey Moore have restored balance and uplifted the quality down the wide. However, the uncertainties over Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane’s future could decimate them again high up the pitch.

Gelhardt prefers to operate as an attacking playmaker, but Martin prefers box-to-box midfielders in his 4-3-3 setup. Lyall Cameron and Thelo Aasgaard, the other summer recruits, are effective in a similar role. Nevertheless, the gaffer must have plans for the Peacocks prospect, regardless of his options in and around the attacking third.

The Englishman is flexible enough to fit in across the frontline.  He might not start games week in and week out, but could make a difference with his immense work ethic, dribbling, build-up play and creativity.