Robinson believes that one player and the Whites will take opposing positions in January.
In an interview with MOT Leeds News, ex-Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson predicted that his former club may want to keep Joe Gelhardt beyond the end of the January transfer window.
The Whites currently have a number of players in their squad who aren’t seeing much action and may be eager to seal winter exits in order to gain more game time.
They may have lost a number of players over the summer, but they also added a number of new players, and all of their senior additions, including Djed Spence, are ready to play in the first team.
With Spence’s return, there is one less spot for others in the matchday squad, though they could still play a role between now and the end of the season.
During a grueling 46-league game season, most first-team players will have an opportunity to shine, including Illan Meslier’s backup goalkeeper Karl Darlow, who could play in the FA Cup next year.
The Whites will not only compete in the FA Cup next month, but injuries and suspensions will also be factors.
What did Leeds United manager Paul Robinson have to say about Joe Gelhardt’s situation?
Gelhardt may be keen to leave Elland Road in order to gain more game time, but Robinson believes the Whites will want to keep him for the time being.
“From a selfish standpoint, from the club’s standpoint, and from the manager’s standpoint, they’re going to want to keep him,” he said. However, from the player’s personal development and point of view, he will want to go play and score goals because that is what he does.
“He’s reached an age where it’s no longer desirable for him to be involved with the first team and not play any longer.” When you’re a youngster making your way in the game, you’re involved in the first team and playing, you’re in match-day squads, and it’s all good and well.
“But he’s at an age now where that’s not enough because of the taste of football he had last year.” He’ll be looking forward to playing games.”
Is Joe Gelhardt deserving of a transfer away from Leeds United?
He has been infrequently involved in recent times, which is why he deserves to be moved.
He needs to play regularly at his age, but he won’t get it with the Whites as things stand.
Currently, Georginio Rutter and Patrick Bamford are ahead of him in the pecking order, but if both become unavailable, Joel Piroe can play higher up.
With this in mind, he should try to negotiate a loan transfer, if not a permanent transfer.
A permanent move may be preferable for him at this point, as he is unlikely to become a regular starter in the next year or two.
He may have scored against Shrewsbury Town earlier this season and performed admirably against Sunderland last season, but that hasn’t kept him in the matchday squad.
