EFL expert claims Hull City bagged ‘really impactful signing, Championship rivals might regret letting him go

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Hull City were one of a number of clubs who were busy in the January transfer window, with Ruben Selles’ side signing eight new players into the first-team in the winter market.

Younger loanees such as Joe Gelhardt and Louie Barry were among them, as well as permanent deals for the likes of Matt Crooks, John Egan, and Nordin Amrabat to add invaluable experience.

They have climbed out of the Championship relegation zone since Ruben Selles’ arrival, although results and recent signings have been inconsistent so far.

Gelhardt scored his second goal for Hull City on Tuesday night, which was a key goal in opening the scoring against Plymouth Argyle following his January arrival from Leeds United.

The versatile forward was vital in a potentially pivotal 2-0 win for Selles’ side, with Abu Kamara completing the goalscoring to seal a huge victory in the bottom of the table clash.

• READ MORE: Championship fans decide which three clubs will be relegated this season

EFL pundit Ali Maxwell makes Joe Gelhardt claim that will excite Leeds and Hull fans

Ali Maxwell of the Not The Top 20 Podcast has outlined his thoughts on Gelhardt’s impact so far, having struggled to make an impact at Leeds this season.

Speaking via their midweek ‘Under The Lights’ show, the pundit said: “He’s obviously been a really impactful January addition for Hull City.

“It’s really exciting when you have a young player like him who’s been known about for a long time and has just stalled somewhat.

“That was partly because the club that he plays for, Leeds United, have such high standard at this level.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
16	SwanseaSwansea	35	11	8	16	37	46	-9	41
17	PortsmouthPortsmouth	35	10	9	16	43	57	-14	39
18	Oxford UnitedOxford United	35	9	11	15	36	52	-16	38
19	Hull CityHull City	35	9	9	17	35	44	-9	36
20	Stoke CityStoke City	35	8	12	15	34	47	-13	36
21	CardiffCardiff	35	8	12	15	38	57	-19	36
22	LutonLuton	35	8	7	20	32	55	-23	31

“It’s difficult for any young player to break into the team. Mateo Joseph has felt that, even being above Joe Gelhardt in the pecking order this season.

“So, it’s nice to see him playing at the level and showing that he is a quality young player. Obviously a big goal here [against Plymouth].”

READ MORE: The highest points tallies in Championship history: Can Leeds United or Sheffield United break the record this season?

Ruben Selles is the perfect manager for Joe Gelhardt

With a total of nine minutes played in the Championship in the 2024/25 season prior to him joining Hull, it’s fair to say the loan switch has reinvigorated Gelhardt and allowed him the chance to flourish.

With the 22-year-old struggling to build any kind of rhythm at Elland Road, Gelhardt was in desperate need of a loan switch before deciding on his long-term future with Leeds in the summer.

Selles has a proven track record at Reading when it comes to utilising and developing young players, with Gelhardt the latest beneficiary after moving from West to East Yorkshire.

For that reason, Hull should be a good destination for regular and impactful game time, while his versatility as a forward in numerous attacking positions has already been crucial alongside the two goals so far.

It’s not over yet in terms of their fight to survive, and Hull have issues to address under Selles, but the early signs are positive for both the Tigers and Gelhardt as well.