Football pundit Carlton Palmer believes that the allure of working alongside the legendary Wayne Rooney at Plymouth Argyle could be a tempting opportunity for Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt.
Gelhardt’s career trajectory took a positive turn when he made a promising start at Leeds United under the tutelage of Marcelo Bielsa following their promotion to the Premier League. However, fortunes changed as Gelhardt fell out of favor after Bielsa’s departure, leading to a loan spell at Sunderland in the latter half of the 2022-23 season.
Despite his time at Sunderland, where Gelhardt scored three goals and provided three assists in 20 appearances, the forward has struggled to regain a regular spot in the Leeds United squad upon his return. With just three appearances in all competitions this season and being left out of the matchday squad for the last five games, Gelhardt is seeking a new opportunity to showcase his talent.
Leeds United seems prepared to offload Gelhardt in the upcoming January transfer window, with interest reportedly coming from clubs such as Rangers, Portsmouth, Stoke City, Preston North End, two Belgian clubs, and the aforementioned Plymouth Argyle.
Palmer believes that while Gelhardt may initially resist the idea of joining a team embroiled in a relegation battle, the chance to work with Rooney, an esteemed former striker, at Plymouth Argyle could be a significant draw for the 22-year-old. Learning from Rooney’s experience and expertise could prove invaluable for Gelhardt’s development as a player.
Despite interest from numerous clubs, Gelhardt may lean towards a move to Stoke City, given their higher league position, as opposed to Plymouth, Preston, or Portsmouth. However, Rangers’ reported interest in securing Gelhardt on a permanent basis could potentially sway the forward towards a move to the Scottish giants.
As Gelhardt contemplates his next career move, the guidance and mentorship he could receive from Rooney at Plymouth Argyle present a unique and appealing opportunity. Should Gelhardt decide to part ways with Leeds United in January, the prospect of joining forces with a footballing icon like Rooney may be too good to pass up.
