Hull City face new Joe Gelhardt transfer stumbling block as fresh Leeds United clause emerges | OneFootball

This clause in Joe Gelhardt's contract could pose issues for Hull City.

A potential stumbling block has emerged for Hull City if they decide to pursue Joe Gelhardt on a permanent basis, with Leeds United's promotion triggering a clause to increase the forward's wages.

Leeds secured their return to the Premier League with a 6-0 demolition of Stoke City on Easter Monday, and with that will come a raft of salary increases for players due to being in the top flight - even ones who haven't played their part this season.

According to The Sun, the Whites’ promotion to the top flight has automatically triggered a clause in the 22-year-old’s contract, entitling him to a pay rise, and it’s an issue that could prevent the Tigers from securing Gelhardt’s signature once again next season, regardless of which division they will play their football in.

Joe Gelhardt, Leeds United clause could stop Hull City from pursuing forward permanently

Ruben Selles’ side were dealt a potentially critical blow in their fight for survival on Saturday, when they fell to a home defeat to Derby County - one of their nearest challengers in the race to beat the drop.

That loss leaves Hull inside the bottom three going into the final weekend of the season, and relying on results elsewhere to save their second tier status.

Nevertheless, Gelhardt has been something of a bright spark during his loan spell at the MKM Stadium.

The frontman has notched five goals from his 19 league appearances since moving to the club.

His goals have also secured vital points for Hull over the course of his time at the club. His brace to down Preston on Easter Monday could yet prove decisive if the Tigers are able to miraculously escape the drop zone on the final day.

Considering he had made just two league appearances for his parent club in the first half of the campaign, Gelhardt’s Hull stint has likely provided exactly what he needed at this stage of his career, but the affordability of a permanent switch to the MKM Stadium in the event of the club surviving relegation has just gotten a bit longer.

It won’t be easy for Hull City to get Gelhardt back next season

Recent reports from Hull Live have suggested that the Tigers are keen to bring Gelhardt back to the club for next season, but under the current circumstances, it could be difficult for them to get a deal done.

Gelhardt has suggested recently that he just wants to be somewhere where he is playing regular football, something which he is unlikely to get at Elland Road, especially considering their promotion to the Premier League.

However, with the youngster under contract at the West Yorkshire outfit until 2027, and Leeds understood to be wanting a significant fee for him at present, they hold all the cards.

It is unclear right now whether Hull would look to target a permanent move for the striker, or just a renewed loan deal, but even the latter could present difficulties given Gelhardt’s new wage hike.

If Leeds were to force Hull to pay the majority of Gelhardt’s increased wage, it could seriously affect the Tigers’ desire and capability to do a deal.

A move away from Elland Road seems to be the best option for the 22-year-old at this stage of his career, but whether that move will be to Hull or elsewhere remains to be seen.