Sheffield United will be hoping to sign a replacement for Reda Khadra, with the German set to cut short his season-long loan spell.
Khadra has simply not worked out for the Blades. Paul Heckingbottom has admitted the wheels are in motion to end his loan deal. Reports over the weekend suggest a move back to Germany could be on the cards, with Schalke 04 keen.
Of course, Khadra leaving means a gap in the squad to fill. And despite recalling Will Osula from his loan with Derby, there is a feeling among fans that someone new is needed. Indeed, Heckingbottom himself said he’d only allow Khadra’s departure if he could sign a replacement.
Getting the right player in, of course, is easier said than done. But a door might have just opened at Leeds United for the Blades to get the ideal player in the form of Joe Gelhardt.
Sheffield United should sign Joe Gelhardt
A report from TeamTalk this morning has suggested Leeds will look to loan out young Gelhardt as they close in on the signing of Georgino Rutter.
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Swansea City are credited with an interest in signing Gelhardt. But it is Sheffield United who should be getting their name into the mix to land the young forward. Gelhardt is said to become a bit confused with his role at Leeds this season. That means a January loan is likely, especially with Rutter nearly through the Elland Road doors.
Despite not scoring this season, Gelhardt is a huge talent. Lauded as ‘incredible‘ by Jermaine Jenas last season, the former Wigan man is a forward with pace, power, skill, and an eye for goal.
Yes, at 20 he isn’t the finished article. But with a year and a half Premier League experience under his belt, a move to the Championship should suit him right now.
For United, it’s a chance to strengthen the ranks with Premier League quality. For Gelhardt, it’s a chance to move on loan to a club vying for promotion and crucially, means he won’t need to relocate.
In terms of open doors for the Blades right now to replace Khadra, the one presenting Joe Gelhardt seems an obvious one.
