According to TEAMtalk, Middlesbrough are likely to end their pursuit of the Leeds striker if they get promoted. The Premier League would demand a forward of a higher calibre, which would cause them to reduce their interest in Gelhardt. They are currently fourth in the Championship but could secure promotion if they win their next game and other results are in their favour. If they finish outside the top two, they could also get promoted via the play-offs.

Middlesbrough expressed an interest in Joe Gelhardt last summer before Hull City resolved some difficulties. Leeds United had placed an £8m valuation on Joe Gelhardt and included a wage increase in his Elland Road contract, which runs until June 2027.

Middlesbrough were linked with a move for Joe Gelhardt in the summer. It is suggested that despite a change in the coaching staff at the Riverside since then, head of football Kieran Scott may still have Gelhardt on a potential list of targets.

City were able to prevent Middlesbrough from signing Joe Gelhardt before his current 10 goals for the campaign, and it is expected that they will eventually sign the 23-year-old from his parent club Leeds United on a permanent basis. The move could happen once their transfer restrictions end after the current window. Hull City's owner, Acun Ilicali, has stated that the club's target is to sign Gelhardt permanently, noting that the player made sacrifices to return. According to Football League World's fan pundit Cameron Gibson, a fee of up to £10m could be required to complete a permanent transfer.