Leeds United forward Joe Gelhardt has sent former teammate Max Dean an 'exit' message after the 18-year-old left Thorp Arch to join League One outfit MK Dons.
Dean had made 52 appearances in the Whites youth setup, netting 21 times and providing two assists, including five in this season's Premier League 2 campaign but never managed a senior appearance for the club.
His move to Stadium MK reunites him with former Leeds coach Mark Jackson who currently runs the Dons' dugout, a position he was appointed to just under a month ago.
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Taking to Instagram, Dean posted two photos of him in his new MK Dons kit with the caption: "Made up to sign for @mkdonsfc can’t wait to get started and play in front of all the fans #upthedons
I would like to thank everybody @leedsunited players, staff, and amazing fans I wish the club all the best for the future."
Many of his former teammates in the Leeds youth system commented under his post, including Sam Greenwood who said: "All the best my mate" with a fist-bump emoji.
Darko Gyabi simply commented three sad faces at the sight of seeing one of his teammates leaving, while Sonny Perkins commented: "Good luck bro" with a red love heart.
However, Gelhardt was also one to comment on the post amid rumours of his own Elland Road departure - albeit on loan. The 20-year-old has struggled to break through into Jesse Marsch's first team for consistent minutes and has reportedly been given the choice of which club he turns to for the rest of the season.
With a whole host of Championship interested in him, it would seem Gelhardt would have the pick of the bunch but rumours have him most likely heading to Wigan Athletic - the club he was at before his move to the Whites.
Under Dean's post, Gelhardt said: "Smash it lad" with a red heart. With the addition of Georginio Rutter already in this transfer window, it seems as though Gelhardt will have to 'smash' own Elland Road exit himself if he wants to return with the guarantee of regular first-team appearances next season.
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