Leeds United have confirmed the signing of highly-rated England under-18s star Joe Gelhardt from Wigan Athletic.
The Whites have been able to fight off a number of Premier League big guns in order to land the exciting forward, who joins the club on a four-year deal that will run until 2024 for an undisclosed fee.
The Liverpudlian teen made his league debut at the end of the 2018-19 campaign and made 19 appearances this season as the Latics were relegated to League One following their fall into administration and subsequent 12-point deduction.
His first goal came during a 2-2 draw against Hull City last September and he featured for England in the 2019 under-17s European Championship.
Gelhardt joins Helder Costa and Illan Meslier in securing permanent deals to Elland Road in the current window, while Jack Harrison has signed on for a third loan spell at the club.
Speaking to LUTV after putting pen-to-paper, Gelhardt said: “When I heard Leeds were interested I was made up.
“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.
“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 90 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.”
