"Shooting up the list...": Phil Hay drops major Leeds news that'll excite supporters - opinion

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has delivered an encouraging update on where things stand with Joe Gelhardt’s new contract at Leeds United.

Writing on Twitter, he said: “Joe Gelhardt is rapidly shooting up the list of players who Leeds United would like to tie to a new contract. He’s already asking the same question of Jesse Marsch as he asked of Marcelo Bielsa – how long can you hold him back?”

In a follow-up article for The Athletic, Hay then added: “The 19-year-old’s form over the past nine months has pushed him towards the upper end of the list of players who Leeds would like to tie to new contracts as soon as possible.

“The terms he signed when he moved from Wigan in 2020 ran for four years and the subject of an improved deal has already been broached with his camp, although with Leeds tied up in a relegation fight, negotiations are likely to wait until the season is resolved.”

Make no mistake about it, Gelhardt represents the future of Leeds United’s attack, whether that be in tandem with Patrick Bamford over the 12 next months or so, or else leading the line on his own in the years to come.

He has already proven himself to be a player for the big occasion this season in the Premier League, netting the dramatic late winner against Norwich City last week and also being the man to earn a stoppage time match-saving penalty against Wolves earlier in the campaign.

Whether or not the Whites remain in the Premier League, tying down Gelhardt to a new long-term deal and protecting him from the vultures of some of the top flight’s European-contending clubs will be crucial.

The former Wigan ace is already making a big impression at just 19 years of age, and you can only wonder at how just how good he will become in the next few