Leeds United’s summer rebuild is showing no signs of slowing down. After making headlines with several eye-catching arrivals, Daniel Farke and the 49ers ownership group are now turning their attention to trimming the squad as they prepare for another demanding Premier League campaign.

The Whites have already strengthened key positions this summer, highlighted by the record-breaking signing of James Trafford, while Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic have also arrived to boost the squad. Yet behind the scenes, Leeds remain determined to reshape the team even further before the transfer window slams shut.

Although supporters are eagerly anticipating more arrivals, departures remain just as important to Farke’s long-term plans. Several senior players have already left Elland Road, and another familiar face now appears to be edging closer to the exit.

Joe Gelhardt Closing in on Permanent Hull City Return

One of the biggest talking points surrounding Leeds this week is the future of Joe Gelhardt.

The young forward struggled to establish himself as a regular starter at Elland Road, despite once being regarded as one of the club’s brightest attacking prospects. However, everything changed during his loan spell with Hull City last season.

Given the opportunity to play consistently, Gelhardt flourished.

The 24-year-old rediscovered his confidence and became one of Hull’s standout performers, scoring 15 league goals as the Tigers secured promotion back to the Premier League. His impressive form immediately reignited interest in his services, with Hull making no secret of their desire to keep him permanently.

Now, according to Sky Sports, that wish is close to becoming reality.

Reports suggest Hull City are nearing an agreement with Leeds United for a permanent transfer, with negotiations progressing well. While the final transfer fee has not yet been revealed, confidence is growing that the move could soon be completed.

Daniel Farke Reshaping His Squad

Leeds currently possess several attacking options.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains the club’s first-choice striker following an impressive debut season, while Lukas Nmecha, Joel Piroe and Gelhardt have all competed for attacking minutes.

However, Farke is believed to be looking for greater balance throughout his squad.

With Leeds continuing to pursue another striker before the transfer deadline, opportunities for Gelhardt would likely become even more limited if he remained at Elland Road.

Rather than spending another campaign on the fringes of the first team, both player and club appear to believe a permanent transfer represents the best solution.

Why Hull Makes Perfect Sense

For Hull City, bringing Gelhardt back is an obvious move.

The striker already knows the club, understands the tactical system and has built a strong relationship with supporters after helping secure promotion.

His 15-goal campaign proved he can consistently deliver when trusted with regular football.

Hull manager Sergej Jakirovic has openly praised the striker in recent weeks, making it clear he would welcome the opportunity to work with him again.

Those public comments only strengthened speculation that negotiations were progressing behind the scenes.

Leeds Continue Planning Busy Finish to the Window

Selling Gelhardt would not simply reduce squad numbers—it would also provide Leeds with additional financial flexibility.

Farke is still searching for reinforcements in several positions, including goalkeeper, full-back, central midfield, attacking midfield and centre-forward.

Every outgoing transfer creates extra room within both the wage structure and squad registration, giving the recruitment team greater freedom to pursue new targets before deadline day.

The club have already demonstrated their ambition throughout the summer, and insiders believe there could still be multiple arrivals before the market closes.

A Fresh Start Benefits Everyone

Sometimes a transfer works for every party involved, and this increasingly looks like one of those situations.

Gelhardt leaves Leeds having never fully fulfilled the enormous potential many supporters believed he possessed, but his outstanding spell at Hull reminded everyone of his quality.

Instead of sitting on the bench in the Premier League, he now has the chance to become a key player at a club where he is valued and trusted.

For Leeds, the move allows Daniel Farke to continue building a squad tailored to his vision while generating funds that can be reinvested into strengthening weaker areas.

With reports indicating the permanent transfer is now moving towards completion, Joe Gelhardt’s Elland Road chapter appears to be reaching its conclusion.

If everything is finalized in the coming days, Leeds will move one step closer to completing another major piece of their ambitious summer rebuild as they prepare for life back in the Premier League.