Hull City have bolstered their Premier League squad by signing forward Joe Gelhardt from Leeds United and midfielder Lucas Gourna-Douath from Red Bull Salzburg for undisclosed fees.
Gelhardt has put pen to paper on a four-year deal with an option for a further 12 months, while Gourna-Douath commits to the Tigers on a longer five-year contract.
The two arrivals become Hull’s 10th and 11th signings since the club secured promotion back to the Premier League last season.
Gelhardt, 24, is no stranger to the MKM Stadium, having enjoyed two successful loan spells spanning 18 months with the club before making the move permanent.
During that time, the English forward scored 14 Championship goals last season and netted the tie-clinching second goal in the play-off second leg against Millwall.
Gelhardt began his career at Wigan before moving to Leeds, where he scored three goals in 57 appearances alongside loan spells at Sunderland and Hull.
“I’m over the moon. It’s been a great 18 months playing here – I’ve loved every minute of it. Since the season ended, I knew exactly where I wanted to be. Thankfully, it’s happened,” said Gelhardt.
“As soon as I joined the club, I connected with the fans, the staff, all the players. I’m happy to be here on a permanent now, rather than a loan,” he added.
Gourna-Douath began his career at Saint-Etienne, making 65 appearances for the French club before moving to Red Bull Salzburg in 2022.
The French midfielder made 95 appearances for Salzburg across four seasons and spent the second half of last campaign on loan at Le Havre, featuring in 15 Ligue 1 matches.
“I’m really happy because it was such a long journey from the first phone call until I signed. I’m so excited to get started,” said Gourna-Douath.
“I know Hull City is a big family club. Playing in front of our fans will be fun. It will be amazing for me,” the midfielder continued.
Hull have moved swiftly in the transfer market since their promotion, assembling a squad they hope can compete at the top level of English football.
The additions of Gelhardt’s proven Championship pedigree and Gourna-Douath’s European experience give Hull’s Premier League campaign a significant boost ahead of the new season.
