Sheffield United looked likely to be joining Leeds United in the Premier League for next season. In the end, it was Burnley and Sunderland; the latter beating the Blades in the Championship play-off final.
Sheffield United have suffered the same heartbreak that beset Leeds United last year. At Wembley, Sheffield United lost the Championship play-off final to Sunderland and the defeat has since resulted in Chris Wilder’s sacking, and the appointment of Ruben Selles.
Sheffield United have appointed Selles on a three-year deal. It’s an appointment that has brought about a very mixed response from Blades fans, but Leeds United fans will care very little.
Under Daniel Farke, the Whites have a Premier League campaign to gear up for, with a couple of new signings having already arrived at Elland Road in Jaka Bijol and Lukas Nmecha.
Who comes next is anyone’s guess. But one player who the Whites have liked for a long time is Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer.
Southampton manager Ruben Selles during a press conference.
Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images
Ruben Selles drops hint on potential Sheffield United outgoings
Speaking to The Yorkshire Post, Selles has been discussing what this summer’s transfer window might entail. After missing out on promotion it’s been widely speculated that Hamer is set to leave Sheffield United this summer, and that will no doubt catch Leeds United’s attention.
For the last 12 months at least, Leeds United have been tracking Hamer. The Dutchman shone once again last season, too, scoring 10 and assisting eight more in 44 total league games to be named the Championship Player of the Season for 2024/25.
Selles though has hinted that the Blades don’t necessarily need to cash in on any of their star players right now. He said: “For the moment, we are in a good place where we are. We are very strong, we are already assessing the squad and the things we need.
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“There is a room, actually, for us to get players we potentially want. I have not seen any other reality. I don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow, how it is going to change, how the market is going to evolve. The market is always fluid, but we are in a good place and have room to be in an even better place.”
Gustavo Hamer in action for Sheffield United against Huddersfield Town.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Leeds United set to sign Gustavo Hamer or one other no.10 this summer
A new no.10 is just one of the things that Farke needs this summer. There’s growing speculation that Brenden Aaronson could leave Leeds United as well, further highlighting the need to bring in a new name to work that position.
And whilst Hamer has been linked for a long time, there’s also Emi Buendia. Already this summer, Buendia’s links to Leeds United have been reignited after the Whites tried and failed to sign him in January, and after Bayer Leverkusen turned down the chance to sign him permanently after his loan spell in the second half of last season.
Speaking to Leeds United News recently, transfer expert Graeme Bailey gave his verdict on Leeds United’s search for a new attacking midfielder. He explained: “They are weighing up options but I firmly believe Leeds will sign a no.10 and I also believe the front-runners are those two. It will be one of those and we know Farke likes both of them.”
Now with the Blades looking as though they could play hardball over a potential sale of Hamer, we could see Farke’s pursuit of Buendia really intensify in the coming weeks.