Gustavo Hamer to Leeds: O’Rourke drops verdict on January transfer
Sheffield United have endured a dismal start to the season so far with concerns growing behind the scenes about their issues both on and off the pitch.
Despite initially holding lofty ambitions of promotion, the Blades have lost eight of their ten games this season, leading to Chris Wilder replacing Ruben Selles.
A 2-0 win against Watford at Bramall Lane last time out lifted them off the bottom of the table, with hopes now growing that they will head in the right direction.
However, they are facing further concerns in the January transfer window, with clubs circling their best players with potential offers in mind.
Chief among those is Gustavo Hamer, who was heavily linked with a move in the summer as Football Insider revealed PSV had held talks to sign Hamer.
Sheffield United plan to block Gustavo Hamer exit in January
Football Insider revealed on 17 October that Leeds are interested in signing Hamer and have been long-term targets of the midfielder after missing out last summer.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Sheffield United will not entertain offers for Hamer in the January transfer window as he remains key to their hopes of turning around their poor form.
Wilder has no intention of losing his best player mid-way through the season, although they may be forced to entertain offers come the end of the season.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “There’ll definitely always be interest in somebody like Hamer. Obviously, thinks haven’t worked out for Sheffield United so far this season.
“Whether Leeds would be willing to spend the big money that Sheffield United would demand for Hamer that remains to be seen. I’m not too sure.
“I don’t think a move will happen in January for Hamer, I think there’s more of a possibility that it happens in the summer because he’ll have just one year left on his contract.
“Sheffield United will know obviously if they don’t win promotion, they’re going to have a real fight on their hands to keep hold of Hamer as well.
“So I think there’s more possibility that they could be open to selling them in the next summer transfer window. Otherwise they could risk losing them on a free in 2027, which wouldn’t be good business sense for them at all.
“So yeah, he’s somebody that Leeds have looked at in the past.
“I don’t think he’s top of their priority list right now. There’s probably other players ahead of him, but if he doesn’t move in January, I’m sure there’ll be clubs looking at him next summer for sure.”
Given the midfielder’s contract situation, there is a growing feeling that the Blades will have to cash in on him in 2026 in a last-ditch attempt to raise funds.
Leeds United plot move to sign Hamer
Leeds’ interest in Hamer has been long-standing, although it is unclear whether they will be willing to make a move in January given what is expected to be a lofty price tag.
Football Insider revealed on 14 September that Daniel Farke is planning to strengthen in January with key positions highlighted for improvement.
However, there are doubts about whether they will make a move for Hamer, with other positions including a new winger and striker being prioritised.
Alongside Leeds, other Premier League clubs including Everton plotted moves for Hamer in the summer, and could be tempted to reignite their interest.
Clubs across Europe are also keeping tabs on the midfielder’s situation, after he was heavily tipped for a return to the Netherlands in the summer.
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