Between now and the January deadline, Joe Gelhardt is expected to draw a lot of interest. According to a recent source, Celtic and Rangers have both expressed interest in the Leeds United star.
Gelhardt has been sidelined by a variety of ailments as well as the combined performance of Joel Piroe, Patrick Bamford, and Georginio Rutter. Throughout the season, the England youth star has only managed eight appearances.
Since September 17, there has only been one Championship appearance, and that was a five-minute stint from the bench. A loan makes sense because he needs more playing time and Mateo Joseph is another attacking option.
England and Scotland are very interested in Gelhardt. Thus far, West Brom, Hull City, Blackburn, Preston, and Plymouth have all expressed interest. Rangers and Celtic have already been connected to the player.
However, Dean Jones has now revealed to Give Me Sport that Celtic and Rangers have contacted Leeds in an attempt to start a dialogue about the former Wigan player, who was once likened to a young Wayne Rooney.
“He has great qualities, but they definitely require some refinement right now. Jones commented on Gelhardt, “I’m not surprised that Rangers or Celtic are making inquiries right now on both fronts.
“Having those discussions is undoubtedly a confidence booster for a guy like Gelhardt. Regardless of whether they are successful, I don’t believe it is harmful for anyone to consider that scenario.
Celtic and Rangers open talks to sign Leeds man Joe Gelhardt
What a bold move it would be for Gelhardt to cross the border, try his luck, sign with one of two enormous teams, and regain some self-assurance. Right now, Celtic have few choices up front.
Oh Hyeon-gyu is representing South Korea at the Asian Cup, thus Kyogo—who was passed over by Japan—is the only acknowledged striker available for Celtic. Rangers signed Fabio Silva but let go of Sam Lammers.
Thus, it would seem that Celtic are currently in greater need of Gelhardt. It remains to be seen if Leeds will allow the attacker to go before the window closes.
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