Former England star Emile Heskey believes the success Joe Gelhardt helped bring to Hull City last season will play a part in the club wanting to bring him back.
Gelhardt scored 15 goals to help City win promotion to the Premier League, and while he didn’t hit the heights in the second half of the campaign, after struggling with injury, as he did in the first, his influence was significant.
Not only were his goals crucial, especially the second in the semi-final win at Millwall, but his influence in the dressing room was also important, and that’s something the Tigers will look to harness this summer in their recruitment drive.
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City have not progressed their interest in the 24-year-old, but a move later in the transfer window can’t be ruled out for Gelhardt, who is back at Leeds United after his second loan stint with the Tigers ended.
“I’m sure that Hull will want to bring Joe Gelhardt back to the club, he was a key part of their side last season and they won’t want to lose that. Leeds might be thinking of keeping him, but also looking at the moment they could bring in,” Heskey told Hull Live via Boyle Sports.
“Clubs are looking at how to service PSR. That’s why Elliot Anderson left Newcastle, which turned out to be a good move for him even though he didn’t necessarily want to leave at the time. So I can see Leeds selling Gelhardt, but they will want a good sum of money, I’m sure.”
Meanwhile, Gareth Barry says the Tigers must have more Premier League experience if they’re to have a realistic chance of fighting against relegation.
“Hull City and the fans know it’s going to be a massive challenge. Even their promotion numbers weren’t as strong as other teams. Fans should enjoy the experience, but it’s going to be a tough battle for survival,” the former Aston Villa and Everton midfielder said.
“They’ve signed Jack Butland, but they need several experienced Premier League players. I’m not sure if they have the financial power for that. Hull City fans should enjoy it, it might only be for one season.”
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