Sheffield United face an uphill battle to retain Gus Hamer after their play-off final heartbreak against Sunderland at Wembley on Saturday.
Tommy Watson’s stoppage time goal condemned the Blades to another season in the EFL, and it’s a defeat that will have consequences further down the line.
Sunderland score
Of course, it has massive financial implications, as Sheffield United missed out on the big money that comes with the Premier League.
Gus Hamer attracting Premier League transfer interest
That financial factor, combined with the desire of some players to test themselves at the highest level, means departures from Bramall Lane are inevitable this summer.
And, one man who is unsurprisingly attracting interest is Hamer, with recent reports claiming that Everton and Leeds are both tracking the attacking midfielder.
Gustavo Hamer's Championship Stats (Source: Sofascore)
Appearances
Starts
Goals
Assists
xG
xA
Big chances created
Key passes per game
The 27-year-old enjoyed a brilliant individual season, scoring ten goals and registering eight assists, which saw Hamer named Player of the Year for the entire division.
Sheffield United must make a profit on any Gus Hamer deal
Whilst keeping Hamer will prove difficult, the Blades should ensure they make a profit on Hamer, who they paid £15m to sign from Coventry in the summer of 2023.
Hamer had a relegation release clause as part of his contract last year following the Yorkshire outfit dropping out of the top-flight, but no club activated it before it expired.
Gus Hamer for Sheffield United-5
Nevertheless, there was interest from Leeds, with reports stating Sheffield United were looking for a fee of £20m after rejecting an offer of £13m.
That bid from the Whites was never going to be accepted, and the Blades must ensure he doesn’t leave on the cheap this summer.
Transfermarkt values Hamer at€16m (£13.5m), which would mean the club make a small profit, although you would perhaps expect a bigger fee given his performances this season.
FLW has previously been told that £30m would be a fair price for Hamer due to the outstanding performances he has shown this season.
Given his age, that may seem slightly excessive, and Sheffield United’s power in negotiations is reduced by the fact they can’t offer Premier League football.
Wilder, Rosen and Eltoukhy Related
Sheffield United owners drop clear transfer hint
The Sheffield United board have outlined their approach to the summer transfer window following the club's play-off final defeat.
Yet, with a deal that runs until the summer of 2027, the club won’t be bullied, and having multiple clubs interested in Hamer obviously helps if they want to drive the price up.
Ultimately, keeping Hamer may be beyond Sheffield United this summer, but his sale will be key for Wilder as it brings in funds which can be reinvested in other areas of the squad.
So, the aim will be to get the best price possible, and with Hamer having shown himself to be one of the best players outside the Premier League, they will hope for a fee that reflects such ability if Leeds, Everton, or anyone else, firms up their interest with a formal offer.