Rangers have been handed an open runway to secure Leeds United forward Joe Gelhardt following a significant shift in the English transfer market.
With Ligue 1 side Lyon preparing a £17million package to tempt Portuguese striker Youssef Chermiti away from Ibrox ahead of the 2026-27 season, Derek McInnes may be forced to bring in another centre-forward this summer.
While Lyon’s offer for Chermiti is expected to fall short, with the Light Blues demanding a fee in the region of £25m, the prospect of playing Ligue 1 football may be too tempting for the ex-Everton man.
Rangers may, therefore, turn their attention to signing a new striker, with Gelhardt among those who have long been shortlisted.
However, the Ibrox club previously faced steep competition from newly-promoted Premier League side Hull City, who are keen to take him to the MKM Stadium on a permanent deal after having him on loan last term.
Now, an exclusive update from Alan Nixon via his Patreon has completely altered the landscape, revealing that Hull City are actively cooling their interest due to the financial weight of the 24-year-old’s contract.
How much should Rangers demand for Youssef Chermiti?
He scored 15 goals in his first season at Ibrox…
Gelhardt pocketing ‘big dough’ at Leeds United
Gelhardt spent last season on loan at Hull City, playing an instrumental role in their promotion charge by netting 15 goals across 44 appearances.
While the Tigers were initially keen to secure his services on a permanent basis, Nixon reports that the overall investment has stalled their pursuit.
Crucially, the update highlights that Leeds United’s specific asking price would “not be a problem” for Hull and likely for Rangers.
Instead, the roadblock stems entirely from Gelhardt’s personal salary. Because the Liverpool-born striker has entered the final year of an elevated contract at Elland Road, meeting his current wage packet represents a massive long-term investment.
Therefore, Hull may see if there are cheaper alternatives available before pushing forward with their interest in Gelhardt.
As per Nixon, Gelhardt’s contract is ‘heavily slanted’ towards the end of his Leeds United contract, meaning he is pocketing ‘big, big dough’ in West Yorkshire.
Who would you like Rangers to sign if Youssef Chermiti is sold?
Lyon are lining up £17m for the Portuguese striker…
How the Chermiti deal unlocks Gelhardt move at Rangers
While a steep wage packet has frozen out Hull City, it plays directly into the hands of the Ibrox decision-makers.
Should Lyon increase their £17m bid for Chermiti and strike a deal with Rangers, the Glaswegian outfit will immediately possess both the vacant space in their front line and the financial flexibility required to absorb Gelhardt’s personal terms.
With Leeds United keen to sanction a permanent exit and eager to cash in permanently before his contract expires, an administrative path is wide open.
Furthermore, institutional negotiations are smoothed over by corporate synergy, as both Rangers and Leeds United fall under the shared 49ers Enterprises multi-club umbrella.
With the transfer fee a non-issue and their man English rival blinking first over the personal terms, Rangers are now in a prime position to strike if Chermiti’s Ligue 1 departure is finalised.
