Beren Cross appeared on the latest episode of the Orta Know Better podcast and spoke about all things Leeds United.
The LeedsLive reporter was asked several questions about the Elland Road outfit, including several on their transfer business, leading to Cross making a huge claim on Joe Gelhardt.
Marcelo Bielsa’s men acquired the 18-year-old in a £1m deal last summer after Wigan Athletic entered administration and sanctioned the sales of several players.
The England Under-18s international has impressed for Leeds’ youth side this season, scoring 11 goals and providing three assists in 16 Premier League 2 appearances, and his performances have clearly made a big impression on Cross.
He said: “I think it remains, It’s very opportunistic. I think as we saw with Gelhardt, I think that was very much, unfortunately for Wigan, a case of Wigan were in administration, and they had to take what they could get.
“And as I’m sure we’ll find out in the years ahead, Gelhardt may well be the best bit businesses the club has done in the last 20 years, if not ever, because he just looks absolutely outrageous, very, very good player. So, I think I think they will have irons in the fire. I mean, the beauty of the under-23’s is that they’re not expensive.”
TIF Thoughts on Gelhardt…
With the likes of Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo ahead of Gelhardt in the Leeds pecking order, the teenager may find it hard to break into the first team next season, but the future certainly looks bright.
Bielsa has rewarded the former Wigan man’s fine performances for the under-23’s with a place on the first-team bench on eight occasions this season, and the fans may well be hoping he makes his debut before the current campaign is out.
Whether Gelhardt can reach the lofty heights that Cross believes is achievable remains to be seen, however, for just £1m the youngster is already looking like an incredible piece of business.
In other news… ‘Made my day significantly better’, ‘Big dub’ – Many Leeds fans buzzing as Bielsa quotes emerge