Carlton Palmer has claimed Sheffield United should be looking to keep Gustavo Hamer if they are to compete for Premier League promotion amid interest from Leeds United.
According to Alan Nixon, the Blades have set an £18 million asking price for the Brazilian as we approach the final days of the transfer window.
It has been reported by the Daily Mail that Leeds made an initial offer worth £13 million for the playmaker, which was turned down.
Hamer joined Sheffield United last summer from Coventry City in a deal valued at £15 million, according to The Athletic.
The 27-year-old featured 36 times in the Premier League last season, contributing four goals and six assists, and has already added two more goals this year from the opening three games in the new Championship campaign (all stats from Fbref).
| Gustavo Hamer’s stats 2023/24 – per Fbref.com | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Stat | Per 90 | ||
| Non-penalty goals | 0.12 | ||
| Non-penalty expected goals (npxG) | 0.09 | ||
| Shots | 1.52 | ||
| Assists | 0.19 | ||
| Expected assists (xAG) | 0.19 | ||
| npxG + xAG | 0.28 | ||
| Shot-creating actions | 3.59 | ||
Carlton Palmer makes Gustavo Hamer transfer claim
Palmer believes that Sheffield United should be doing what they can to keep Hamer at the club due to his importance to their promotion ambition.
The 58-year-old is unsure whether Leeds will return with an improved offer, suggesting that the Whites may be wary of spending a fee so similar to the £25 million they received for Crysencio Summerville, via the BBC.
“Leeds United and Daniel Farke having sold so many players this summer, some unfortunate that release clauses had been activated, some they had to sell to bring in money to bring them in with the fair play [rules],” Palmer told Football League World.
“So, they’re looking to bring in reinforcements having brought in around £130 to 140 million, they’re looking to bring in reinforcements before the end of the transfer deadline.
“One player they’re interested in is former Coventry star Gus Hamer, who went to Sheffield United last summer for £15 million.
“His release clause has expired, he signed a four-year deal.
“Leeds United made a cheeky offer at £13 million, which didn’t amuse Chris Wilder.
“Gus Hamer came off the bench in the Carabao Cup, and was particularly impressive, showing that the talk hasn’t affected him.
“Chris Wilder has built and put together a squad that is surely going to be pushing at the top end of the table for automatic promotion back to the Premier League.
“So, you’ve got to keep the likes of Gus Hamer if you’re wanting to do that.
“Will Leeds United come back with a bigger offer? I mean, they sold Summerville for £25 million, so do you put Gus Hamer into the same category as Summerville?
“At the end of the day, everybody knows that Leeds United have money, it’s coming to the end of the transfer window, it is what it is, so you’ve got to pay out the money.
“We’ll have to wait and see if Leeds United come back with an improved offer, it’s believed that Sheffield United will want as much as £18 million to even consider letting him go.
“They’re in a strong position, under contract for another four years, and they don’t want to let him go.
“Chris Wilder said he was particularly pleased with his attitude when he came on against Barnsley, he’s not had his head turned with the, as Chris Wilder calls it, derisory offer from Leeds United, so we’ll wait and see if they come back with a new offer.
“But it’s clear that Chris Wilder doesn’t want him to leave.”
Gustavo Hamer’s Championship experience
Hamer has shown that he can compete to a very high standard at this level from his time at Coventry.
The midfielder contributed 17 goals and 24 assists from 123 regular league appearances with the Sky Blues before signing for Sheffield United last year.
He has also made a positive start to this campaign, having impressed during the team’s otherwise difficult season in the Premier League.
Leeds have until 11pm on Friday night to find an agreement with the Blades before the window closes for the rest of the calendar year.
Sheffield United must avoid selling Hamer
Hamer has a long-term contract with Sheffield United, and there is no need for them to cash in before Friday’s deadline.
Selling to Leeds would only strengthen a promotion rival and hurt their own chances at a top two finish.
Wilder would have every reason to be disappointed if Hamer did depart for Elland Road, as he will be key for them this year.
This has been a very strong window from the Blades, but losing Hamer would put a dampener on the work they’ve done to improve the squad in the last couple of months
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