Sunderland have completed the signing of Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt on loan for the remainder of the season. The Black Cats have seen off competition from Wigan Athletic - the club where Gelhardt began his career - and Blackburn Rovers, along with a late move from Middlesbrough, to land the 20-year-old who was at the Academy of Light this morning to undergo a medical and finalise the deal.
Gelhardt cannot play in Sunderland's FA Cup fourth round game at Fulham tomorrow as he is cup-tied, but he could make his debut against Millwall at the Stadium of Light in the Championship next weekend. Gelhardt said: "I know how big the club is and I'm really looking forward to meeting the lads and trying to help. I spoke with the head coach and the playing style seemed a perfect fit for me.
"I've watched Sunderland on the TV this season and seen some positive, attacking football and I can't wait to get involved."
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Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray added: "It is no secret that Joe had plenty of options on the table this month, so it is a testament to the club and its staff that he felt Sunderland was the best move for him. He has made an impact at Premier League level throughout the past 18 months and he is a really exciting signing, who fits our playing style and will complement a forward line that is already packed with talent.
"I'm sure the fans can't wait to see him in action and we are looking forward to supporting his development."
Sunderland have been desperate to recruit at least one striker in the January transfer window as competition and cover for top scorer Ross Stewart, who was left as the club's sole out-and-out centre-forward following Everton's decision to recall Ellis Simms from his loan stay on Wearside at the beginning of the month. The highly-rated Gelhardt had scored one goal in 21 outings in a struggling Wigan side that had been relegated from the Championship when he was snapped up by Leeds in the summer of 2020.
He went on to score 11 goals in 16 games for Leeds U23s, before making his first team debut for the Elland Road club in the 2021-22 season, ending the campaign with two goals to help Leeds retain their Premier League status. Leeds have made it clear that Gelhardt remains a part of their future plans and he has been allowed to join Sunderland's play-off push in order to get regular first-team football.
Gelhardt had looked destined last week to make a loan move to Wigan, but the Latics are propping up the Championship and fighting the drop, and this week they sacked manager Kolo Toure.
With Blackburn, Middlesbrough and Sunderland all in the mix for play-off places, Leeds felt that Gelhardt would fare better playing for a team towards the top end of the table and the Black Cats have won the race for his signature. Gelhardt becomes Sunderland's third signing of the January window, following the arrivals of Pierre Ekwah and Isaac Lihadji.
Midfielder Ekwah joined on a four-and-a-half year deal from West Ham, while forward Lihadji signed last night from French side Lille on an initial two-and-a-half year deal.
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