Leeds United

Leeds United

Championship

Joe Gelhardt: Terms of new deal revealed with Leeds announcement imminent and talks on extension for second young star also underway

Joe Gelhardt, Leeds Utd star, during pre-season friendly v Crystal Palace

Leeds United are on the verge of announcing a new five-year contract for Joe Gelhardt that will tie the young forward to Elland Road until summer 2027, sources have told TEAMtalk.

The Whites paid a bargain £1.1m to bring Gelhardt to West Yorkshire in summer 2020, beating Tottenham to his signature. He signed an initial four-year deal upon his move from Wigan, tying him to the club until summer 2024.

However, following the progress he has made, Leeds have been in talks with Gelhardt over an extension. He has impressed new boss Jesse Marsch with his commitment and attitude since succeeding Marcelo Bielsa as manager.

And he looks likely to play an increasingly big role over the forthcoming season. As such, the 20-year-old forward is very much part seen as part of Marsch’s first-team plans.

As a result, we understand an agreement has been reached that will see Gelhardt commit to a new deal worth £25,000 a week. That earns the player an estimated 55 per cent pay increase on his existing deal.

And Leeds United could also look to review that arrangement with an additional pay-rise at the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

Gelhardt appeared 20 times for Leeds in the Premier League last season as the club narrowly escaped relegation. He started 15 of those games off the bench, but his impact on the team was certainly noticeable.

Indeed, he scored two goals, laid on two assists – the most notable with some sublime skill against Brighton to tee up Pascal Struijk  -and also won two penalties.

That means that in the 738 minutes he played in, Gelhardt contributed towards a goal every 92.25 minutes.

Leeds also looking to tie down Crysencio Summerville

Leeds are also looking to secure Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville to a new deal.

The forward is out of contract in summer 2023, but has also been reassured of his first-team prospects under Marsch.

Leeds may have sold Raphinha this summer, but the presence of Daniel James and Jack Harrison blocks his first-team path. Furthermore, the addition of Luis Sinisterra also presents a further roadblock.

But Leeds rate Summerville highly and are ready to tie him down to a new three-year deal. Nottingham Forest have been exploring the possibility of a potential cut-price move.

However, talks are reportedly progressing well and Leeds hope to reach an agreement soon.

Summerville made his Premier League debut last season and went on to appear seven more times in all competitions.

While he is yet to score or assist as senior level, he made a noticeable contribution to their Under-23s side.

Indeed, he scored 13 times and added eight assists from 27 appearances.

Future looks bright for Joe Gelhardt and Leeds United

Their senior squad may have only just avoided the drop last season, but there is no denying the club are building an exciting base of young talent.

With Joe Gelhardt leading the way, Leeds United also handed Premier League debuts to several other young stars last summer.

Indeed, Sam Greenwood, Charlie Cresswell, Lewis Bate and Leo Hjelde were also among those to taste the action.

With the Premier League allowing five substitutes per game next season, it is likely that Leeds fans will see a lot more of their youngsters next season.

How will Leeds fare in the Premier League next season without Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips?

How will Leeds fare in the Premier League next season without Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips?

How will Leeds cope without Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips in the upcoming campaign?

That said, Cresswell has already departed on loan, while Bate looks set to follow suit. The former Chelsea midfieldr, 19, has a number of League One clubs on his trail.

However, Leeds’ smart signings at this level could ultimately end up saving the club millions. Granted, not all will go on to become huge successes, but if two or three of them do, then the club will see them as smart investments.

RANKEDThe top six Leeds U23s stars by Google search and who is most likely to succeed