NafisaAs Leeds United continue shaping their squad for another demanding Premier League campaign, attention naturally remains fixed on incoming signings and the players expected to make an impact under Daniel Farke next season.
The Whites have already been linked with several high-profile additions, while speculation surrounding possible departures continues to dominate discussions among supporters.
However, not every transfer storyline revolves around current first-team stars. Summer windows also provide an opportunity to reflect on academy graduates and former prospects whose careers have taken different paths since leaving Elland Road.
Leeds have built a reputation for producing talented youngsters over the years, although not every promising academy player manages to cement a long-term place in the senior squad. Some flourish elsewhere after searching for regular football, while others continue their journey across England and beyond in pursuit of fulfilling the potential that first caught the eye in West Yorkshire.
That has once again become the case following confirmation of another former Leeds youngster finding a new destination.
Joe Gelhardt has sent a message to former Leeds United teammate Sam Greenwood after his transfer to Bristol City was officially confirmed.
Both Gelhardt and Greenwood were once regarded as exciting prospects capable of establishing themselves at Elland Road, but their careers ultimately followed different directions.
Greenwood, now 24, struggled to secure consistent first-team opportunities during his time with Leeds and enjoyed temporary spells at Middlesbrough and Preston North End.
The attacker completed a move to Polish side Pogoń Szczecin on a three-year contract in August 2025.
His stay overseas has proven to be short-lived, however, with Greenwood now returning to English football to begin a fresh chapter with the Robins in the Championship.
Joe Gelhardt Reacts as Greenwood Completes Bristol City Move
Greenwood managed just one senior goal during his Leeds career despite producing impressive numbers at Under-23 level.
He later scored five goals during his loan spell at Middlesbrough before adding seven for Preston North End. Last season, he also registered three league goals while representing Pogoń Szczecin.
Bristol City officially unveiled Greenwood on Thursday, with the forward sharing an image of himself signing his contract via Instagram.
Gelhardt, who also spent last season away from Leeds while helping Hull City secure promotion to the Premier League, was among the first to respond.
The striker commented:
“Greeeny (heart emoji)”
Greenwood’s announcement attracted plenty of support from familiar faces.
Former Leeds favourite Luke Ayling, now back at Middlesbrough, also reacted to the post, while Hayden Hackney—previously linked with Leeds—and Josh Coburn offered their congratulations as Greenwood prepared for his latest challenge.
What Comes Next for Joe Gelhardt?
When Leeds signed Gelhardt from Wigan Athletic back in 2020, many believed the striker had everything required to become a future star at Elland Road.
Although flashes of quality arrived early in his Leeds career, he has never quite managed to establish himself as a regular starter.
He previously spent the second half of the 2022/23 campaign on loan with Sunderland before joining Hull City on loan in January 2025.
Gelhardt returned to the MKM Stadium for the entire 2025/26 season and enjoyed arguably the most productive spell of his senior career, finding the net 15 times across all competitions.
That impressive return has naturally fuelled speculation regarding his future.
Reports have suggested Hull City are interested in making the deal permanent, with Gelhardt increasingly viewed as surplus to requirements at Leeds despite the promise he once showed.
For both Gelhardt and Greenwood, their journeys serve as reminders that careers rarely follow the path initially expected. While neither managed to fully break through at Elland Road, both remain determined to rebuild their careers elsewhere—and their latest social media exchange shows the friendship formed during their Leeds days remains very much intact.
Nafisa
