Leeds United have officially announced that they have signed youngster Joe Gelhardt from Wigan Athletic ahead of next season.
The 18-year-old has put pen to paper on a four-year deal at the Elland Road running until the summer 2024, with the fee involved in the deal undisclosed.
✍️ #LUFC are delighted to announce the signing of Joe Gelhardt from Wigan Athletic on a four-year deal
— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 10, 2020
Gelhardt maiden appearance for Wigan came in the Carabao Cup game against Rotherham in August 2018 at the age of 16.
The teenager made one further appearance for the Latics during the 2018/19 campaign, earning a league debut in the Sky Bet Championship against Birmingham City.
Speaking to LUTV, Gelhardt said he was thrilled to have completed his move to join the Whites for the 2020/21 campaign.
“When I heard Leeds were interested I was made up,” said Gelhardt. “It’s a massive club and going into the Premier League now, hopefully I can kick on as a player and help the team make some very good memories.
— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 10, 2020
“I’ve watched Leeds a few times on television and the side play with a very high intensity and don’t stop working until the 90th minute, I think that suits my style of play and I like working hard.
“I like scoring goals and being creative and I’m not scared to take on an opponent, of course I’ve still got a lot to develop as a player, but Marcelo Bielsa he is a great manager and hopefully I can develop under him.
“I’ve seen a few young players come through the ranks at Leeds, Tom Pearce was at Wigan with me and he told me a lot about the club which helped me a lot and it was a big factor for me.
“As a child you dream of playing in the Premier League, it’s the best league in the world and hopefully I will get the chance to do that this season.
“It’s a proud moment for me and my family, they’ve been pushing me to do it and I wanted to do it, so we’re all really happy it’s done.”
The youngster made 18 appearances for Wigan during the 2019/20 Sky Bet Championship season, where he netted once for the club in a 2-2 draw against Hull City last September.
