“I think it was the right decision for both parties to just cut off early,” the forward said.
“I knew I wasn't going to play at Leeds and I wanted to be back here at Hull and they knew that as well. For it to actually happen was the perfect scenario for me.”
The move was not straightforward. After two loan spells with Hull City, Gelhardt still faced uncertainty over his future as the summer progressed, with Birmingham City also interested in signing him.
“As the off-season went on, I sort of got my head around it a little bit that maybe it might not happen,” he admitted.
“Birmingham showed interest and they were top class the whole way through. They were very understanding when I did nearly join and Hull came in.
“There was a lot of waiting around, a bit of uncertainty in what was happening but in the end it got done and I couldn't be happier.”
The final stages unfolded quickly. Gelhardt had packed his case and was preparing to travel to Birmingham for a medical when Hull made their move.
“Late at night the owner, Acun Ilicali, Facetimed me with my agent. It was about 11 at night and I had my case packed. I was on my way down to Birmingham the next day for a medical.
“That was a Monday night and then I had the Hull medical Wednesday morning, signed Thursday.
“I was a bit in shock to be honest because I hadn't heard much from Hull. I was just delighted more than anything. I was just happy and wanted to get it done as soon as possible.”
The 24-year-old joined Leeds United from Wigan Athletic as an 18-year-old in 2020 and enjoyed a promising start before finding opportunities harder to come by.
“I didn't know how big Leeds were when I first joined,” he said. “I'd say it was a successful first two years and then not so much at the end. I didn't play much, but that's football.”
Now settled back at Hull, Gelhardt is determined to make the most of another opportunity at the highest level.
“I think every player believes that – you've got it in order to do it,” he said of his Premier League ambitions.
“Every time I play, I'm trying to make an impact and as a forward player, I'd like to score goals and get assists.
“I've got more experience now than when I did at Leeds. I'm still just as excited and ready to go.”
Competition for places is fierce, but Gelhardt believes that will help him improve.
“Everyone's fighting for a place in the team, which is a healthy competition. It's good to have as well. It pushes each other on.
“All we can do as players is try our best in training and then give the manager the decision to make.”
For now, he has little doubt about where he wants to be.
“I'm at my happiest when I'm playing football and that's what I've done here. All the lads are really good lads and the staff are brilliant as well. And the fans, just everything.
“I just like it here.”