Sunderland transfer news: Leeds United striker explains why his heart was set on Wearside switch
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Gelhardt completed his short-term move on Friday and will be in contention to make his debut when the Black Cats return to Championship action against Millwall next weekend.
Sunderland beat a number of their divisional rivals to the deal and the 20-year-old has explained how the team's attacking style and emphasis on handing young players regular opportunities settled his decision.
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Hide Ad"It was a tough decision, it's an important move for my development," Gelhardt told safc.com.
"I spoke to the manager and he told me about how they play and the young lads and I think it just fits me perfectly. One I spoke to him it was a no-brainer.
"I spoke to him for about an hour and a half and I just got a really good idea of what the club is like and how he works - I liked what I heard. I'm excited to work for him.
"It's a very young squad here and an exciting one, and you can see them developing quickly.
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Hide Ad"It's positive, attacking football from what I've seen so far this season, and even just watching on the tele you can feel how loud the fans are. I can't wait to get out and play at the Stadium of Light."
Gelhardt is cup-tied and so can't feature against Fulham on Saturday afternoon, but fellow January signings Pierre Ekwah and Isaac Lihadji could be in the squad.