'Special talent' Joe Gelhardt relishing Premier League challenge under Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa

Wigan Athletic's head of Academy Gregor Rioch knows Leeds United have signed a "special talent" in 18-year-old striker Joe Gelhardt.

Not turning 19 until next May, the forward has time on his side having signed a four-year deal with the Whites.

But a special talent naturally has big ambition with Gelhardt already eyeing his Premier League debut this season under a head coach in Marcelo Bielsa who can further develop his skills.

England under-18s international Gelhardt had been attracting interest from a host of clubs in both England and Scotland’s top flights with Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Celtic among those thought to have shown interest in a player who has drawn comparisons to Wayne Rooney, due to the attacker’s height, build and strength.

Leeds, though, landed their man with Gelhardt revealing that team-mate and former Whites defender Tom Pearce had been a big factor in recommending the move to the Whites.

Former Everton youngster Pearce spent five years at Leeds from 2014 to 2019 with United continually looking to end their Premier League exile.

Gelhardt now joins with the club finally back in the promised land and the teenager cannot wait to get cracking.

"When I heard Leeds were interested I was made up,” said Gelhardt, speaking to United's official website.

“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 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."

Born in Liverpool and growing up in Netherton on Merseyside, Gelhardt joined Wigan as a ten-year old and quickly made a huge impression as he worked his way up the ranks.

With the Latics having been condemned to relegation to League One after entering administration, the teen leaves the club having made made two starts for the Latics first team but also 19 outings from the bench.

The striker netting his first senior goal in September’s 2-2 draw at Hull City.

"Joffy has given us many special memories since he joined Wigan Athletic at the age of 10,” said Rioch, head of Wigan's Academy.

“He is an incredible talent and we’ve seen so many great performances and exciting moments from him.

“It was an absolute pleasure to watch him develop on Sunday mornings as a schoolboy; we’d travel all over the country and if you needed any extra motivation to do that, knowing Joffy was likely to come up with something special certainly provided it.

"I remember him scoring ten goals in one game, many hat-tricks and also five against Manchester United at The Cliff – he’s such a special talent.

“I would like to thank Joe’s parents for their continued support to the academy over the years; Joe’s Mum, Lynne, has really epitomised the dedication and commitment required in supporting her son throughout the academy journey.

“Whilst this is a sad day in many ways for us as Joffy moves on after seven years at the club, it is also a proud one for many staff at the academy – including head of academy recruitment Kenny Williams – who brought Joffy to Wigan Athletic at the age of 10.

“We always know the roadmap for the players we develop for the first team may then see them move on to another level and in Joe’s case he is joining a fantastic Premier League club in Leeds United. Joe leaves with our best wishes for a successful career.”

For Gelhardt, that career has now taken him to the Premier League with the forward proud to make the big move and already hoping to make an impression in the 2020-21 campaign.

“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," said Gelhardt.

“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.”

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Thank you Laura Collins