Leeds United continue to be linked to Sheffield United’s Gus Hamer following promotion to the Premier League.
Gus Hamer’s profile is of a playmaker who can operate as a No.8, No.10, or as a wide player impacting games by inverting into central spaces.
Hamer is expected to leave Sheffield United and Leeds United are a club with a long-standing interest in the 28-year-old, having been keen during his Coventry City days.
Linked for over a year now, Leeds have been tipped to sign Hamer this summer. Ruben Selles has spoken about Hamer’s future at Bramall Lane recently as well, with the Blades potentially feeling the financial strain of missing out on promotion.
Gustavo Hamer points during Sheffield United vs Bristol City.
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Leeds target Gus Hamer could be available at a bargain price
The majority of Leeds fans want to sign Hamer and Joe Rothwell’s exit has freed up Hamer’s favourite shirt number for him as well.
Recently, our exclusive revealed Hamer and Emi Buendia are Leeds’ priority targets in attacking midfield. Nothing concrete has materialised in that area yet, but recent reports outline Leeds could eye a bargain.
There were claims that Leeds were willing to bid £18 million for Hamer in the summer of 2024, after reports last summer of an initial £13 million Hamer offer for the playmaker.
However, Dutch journalist Rik Elfrink of Eindhovens Dagblad claims that PSV are interested in the midfielder for a fee that could be as low as £6.8 million after Sheffield United failed to gain promotion.
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Having come through the ranks of Feyenoord, Hamer could make a return to the Eredivisie through a different Dutch giant instead. Hamer’s potentially low price tag is sure to have Leeds on alert.
However, it’s unclear if Hamer would be available to Leeds for such a fee, or if the Blades would be happier to sell him to foreign clubs at a reduced valuation, which is the potential issue for Daniel Farke’s side.
West Bromwich Albion FC v Sheffield United FC - Sky Bet Championship
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Leeds should try to sign Gus Hamer and Michael Cooper from Sheffield United
Dan James thinks Hamer is a ‘great player’ after the pair were both nominated for the Championship Player of the Season award, although the Dutchman was the winner in the end.
With the Whites also needing a goalkeeper this summer, Michael Cooper ought to be someone on Leeds’ radar on top of Hamer. It could be a potential double swoop and bargain deal for Leeds if they pushed for it.
Value League rank
Clean sheets 21 =2nd
Save percentage 76.9% 2nd
Saves per 90 2.6 p90 10th
Goals prevented (xG difference) 5.7 5th
Goals conceded 0.9 p90 3rd
Michael Cooper’s key stats vs Championship goalkeepers
Leeds could fix a problem in their team and add to Sheffield United’s misery by acquiring his services and signing a goalkeeper who excelled statistically last season.
He is a player deserving of his Premier League chance, but how affordable he is and how willing Leeds are to take a risk like that? It remains to be seen, but Cooper may actually be the better pick for Leeds over Hamer this summer.