QPR and Portsmouth 'target' outgoing Leeds United striker who Jamie Redknapp called "human wrecking ball"

Daniel Farke, Manager of Leeds United, reacts during the Sky Bet Championship match between Hull City AFC and Leeds United FC at MKM Stadium on January 04, 2025 in Hull, England.Daniel Farke, Manager of Leeds United, reacts during the Sky Bet Championship match between Hull City AFC and Leeds United FC at MKM Stadium on January 04, 2025 in Hull, England.
Daniel Farke, Manager of Leeds United, reacts during the Sky Bet Championship match between Hull City AFC and Leeds United FC at MKM Stadium on January 04, 2025 in Hull, England. | Getty Images
QPR are reportedly eyeing a move for an out-of-favour Leeds United striker

Queens Park Rangers are reportedly one of several Championship sides who have registered an interest in out-of-favour Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt. The former Wigan Athletic player, who has previously spent time on loan at Sunderland, has made just three appearances all season for the promotion-chasing Whites.

He started in a 3-0 loss to Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup back in August before being withdrawn just after the hour mark. His last appearance was during a 1-1 draw at Norwich City as he came on as a late substitute on October 1. He was called into the squad as Leeds drew 3-3 at Hull City last weekend but was an unused substitute. Gelhardt is widely expected to leave Elland Road on loan this month.

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Speaking about the player earlier this season, Leeds boss Daniel Farke said: “It’s one of the most-difficult parts of your job. Each player wants to play every second. You can only start 11 players. You might only have two or three players that are 100% happy with you, that’s the reality. We try to create unity. You have to be ready when your chance comes. Each and every player that is with us has my backing and my trust, and they have to be ready when the chance comes.”

Darren Witcoop has reported that QPR are among the interested clubs alongside Portsmouth, Cardiff City, Derby County and Plymouth Argyle. In November, the Yorkshire Evening Post reported that Rangers were also eyeing the player alongside a host of Championship clubs.

Gelhardt’s breakthrough

When he first broke into the Leeds senior side, the Whites were plying their trade in the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa. Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie Redknapp was hugely impressed by Gelhardt when the player made his first Premier League start against Spurs in November 2021. Redknapp said: "He’s like a human wrecking ball. I like him, he’s really exciting. He’s fast, he’s aggressive, he gets on the ball, he takes people on. Once he gets into the box, he loves it. That’s where he can do most of his damage."

Bielsa was pleased at the time with how Gelhardt stepped into the senior squad. He said: “I'm not surprised by his integration. In some way, when I call on someone who is not usually in the starting XI, it's because I'm convinced he can offer us a positive result. It didn't surprise me that he was able to compete at this level as he has worked hard to deserve these opportunities. He has shown me that he is someone who has the right tools to have an impact without any problems. He's a player that always creates danger in a game. He's a player who's more linked with the finishing of chances rather than the creation of them, but he has resources to beat an opponent and he has a final shot, a finish that is very good."

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However, opportunities have been limited at Leeds since in recent seasons, with the 21-year-old keen to leave Elland Road in order to get his career back on track.

QPR’s transfer plans

Marti Cifuentes, manager of QPR celebratesMarti Cifuentes, manager of QPR celebrates
Marti Cifuentes, manager of QPR celebrates | Getty Images

The R’s have also been linked with a move for Aston Villa ace Louie Barry, but he looks set to join Championship rivals Derby County. Speaking about the club’s transfer plans ahead of the window, manager Marti Cifuentes said: “We have a good plan. We know how difficult it is, not only for QPR but for many clubs in this league.

“We know how the market is, things can change very quickly. We have good players, there might be interest in them but at the same time, the same as all of the clubs in the world, we might have an interest in trying, if possible, to improve our squad but this is nothing new. We will continue to work in a calm way to try and get the best from the squad. I knew what the picture was before I arrived at QPR and that is about getting the best of it.”

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