Hull City have made a significant statement in the transfer market by signing English forward Joe Gelhardt from Leeds and French midfielder Lucas Gourna-Douath from Red Bull Salzburg. Gelhardt has penned a four-year deal with an option of a further 12 months, while Gourna-Douath has joined the Tigers on a five-year contract.
What happened?
Gelhardt, 24, returns to the club after two successful loan spells over 18 months, during which he scored 14 goals in the Championship last season and netted the tie-clinching second goal in the play-off second leg against Millwall. The English forward started his career at Wigan before joining Leeds, where he scored three goals in 57 appearances around loan spells at Sunderland and Hull.
Why it matters for Hull City
The signings of Gelhardt and Gourna-Douath become Hull's 10th and 11th signings since securing promotion back to the Premier League last season. The pair will be expected to contribute significantly to the team's chances in the Championship, with Gelhardt's goal-scoring record and Gourna-Douath's midfield prowess likely to be key assets.
What comes next?
Hull City currently sit 18 points behind leaders Coventry in the Championship table, with 64 goals scored and 60 conceded (+4 goal difference) so far this season. The Tigers' next fixture is against Manchester City on December 19, 2026, and they will be looking to build on the momentum generated by these signings.
As of August 16, 2026, Hull City are 6th in the Championship table, having accumulated 68 points from 42 games, with a recent form of LDDWL. The team is currently without several key players, including Charlie Hughes, Darko Gyabi, Hidemasa Morita, Jack Butland, Paddy McNair, and Óscar Zambrano, who are all sidelined due to injury.
