Transfer News

‘Can’t wait to get started’… Wrexham January transfer target reacts after move to EFL club confirmed

Add as preferred source on Google

Wrexham have been linked with a lot of players this month, the majority of which have been strikers.

It’s easy to see why the Red Dragons are in the market for a new centre-forward this month.

Steven Fletcher has six goals in League One this season but so many of their other number nines are floundering.

Ollie Palmer was completely axed from Phil Parkinson’s latest matchday squad amid his poor form.

Meanwhile, despite having four strikers on the pitch at one point, Wrexham were unable to find an equaliser against Shrewsbury Town on Thursday evening.

Among the forwards linked to Wrexham this month was Joe Gelhardt of Leeds United.

Sheffield Wednesday FC v Leeds United FC - Sky Bet Championship
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images

Wrexham target Joe Gelhardt speaks out on transfer

Gelhardt had fallen out of favour under Daniel Farke, with the manager confirming earlier this month he was allowed to depart Elland Road in January.

Wrexham fans probably viewed this as a big win at the time but the Englishman has now completed a transfer elsewhere.

Gelhardt has instead opted to stay in the Championship, joining Hull City on loan for the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign.

The Wrexham target has now spoken out on the move via Hull’s official website.

He said: “It’s a happy moment for me. I’ve spoken to the manager about the plans and direction the club is going in and I can’t wait to get started and get playing.

“I’m really excited to work with the manager. He sees me more playing off the nine, maybe off the right or just behind.

“My best positions are striker or just behind the striker, trying to help assist and score goals for the team and trying to win games.”

Leeds United v Middlesbrough - Carabao Cup First Round
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images

Wrexham may be glad they missed out on Joe Gelhardt

Fans are likely frustrated at missing out on one of their striker targets, especially as Wrexham are yet to make a single signing in January.

However, though Gelhardt has Premier League and Championship experience, his goal return isn’t great.

He scored just one in 21 for Wigan Athletic and was similarly poor during a brief spell with Sunderland.

For Leeds, meanwhile, he’s only found the back of the net on three occasions in 57 appearances.

Stepping down to League One may have seen that tally increase but with Wrexham in desperate need of a high-scoring number nine, Gelhardt probably wasn’t their best option anyway.