Joe Gelhardt has put pen to paper and signed a new five-year deal with Leeds United, with the Whites showing their long-term commitment to the 20-year-old after some bright moments in his debut season with the senior team.
The Liverpool-born striker made 22 appearances in all competitions for Leeds last season with six-goal contributions, a couple of which were crucial to United retaining their Premier League status. Gelhardt stepped up when the club were struggling badly with injury issues to their forward players and did not shy away from the responsibilities that come from playing in the centre-forward role.
Leeds will be hoping this new deal and show of commitment will increase the youngster’s motivation to improve and become a key player in the future. To honour the news of his imminent renewal, here are some of Gelhardt’s best moments from last season.
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Penalty won against Wolves
In only his second senior appearance, Gelhardt came on at Elland Road just past the hour mark with Leeds a goal down against Wolves. The 20-year-old forced a great save off of Jose Sa before, deep into additional time, he weaved his way into the Wolves penalty area and won a penalty to give Rodrigo the chance to rescue a point from 12 yards.
The Spaniard converted his penalty kick, but it was all Gelhardt’s work to create the opportunity and take the destiny of the game into his own hands.
Last-gasp winner against Norwich
The Whites were in desperate need of a win against their relegation rivals Norwich City after a six-game winless run which ultimately cost Marcelo Bielsa his job. Jesse Marsch was in the dugout at this point and was eager for a tone-setting performance from his team.
Leeds took the lead early in the game through Rodrigo, but the Canaries thought they had nicked a point when Kenny McClean equalised with 91 minutes on the clock. Before that equaliser, Norwich had a penalty overturned by VAR and were pushing to steal all three points when the ball broke for Raphinha after a mistake at the back.
The Brazilian rounded Tim Krul in goal, and Gelhardt was in the perfect position to smash in a cut-back from the byline and send the home support into rapturous celebrations.
Late assist for crucial equaliser against Brighton
Composure and quality shown once again in an incredibly tense situation. Pascal Struijk’s equaliser against Brighton lifted Leeds out of the relegation zone in the penultimate game of the season, but it was all about Gelhardt once again for his work to set up the goal.
With two defenders around him near the Brighton byline, the 20-year-old had Lewis Dunk in a swivel with some brilliant skill and weighted his ball across the area perfectly to find Struijk at the back post to head in. Another crucial contribution when his team needed him.
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