Last summer, Leeds United believed a £20 million offer might have been enough to tempt one of their Championship rivals into parting ways with their standout performer. However, at that point, the club felt the price tag was too high and ultimately chose not to pursue the deal further. Fast forward a year, and with promotion to the Premier League strengthening Leeds’ financial footing—and the player in question having just completed an exceptional season—the possibility of finally landing Gustavo Hamer seems more realistic than ever.
Former England international Lee Hendrie, who once played for Sheffield United, thinks this could be the summer when Hamer makes the switch from Bramall Lane to Elland Road. Leeds are actively looking to bolster their attacking midfield options ahead of the new season. While Krasnodar captain Edouard Spertsyan has expressed interest in a move to West Yorkshire, deals for Pavel Sulc and Alvyn Sanches appear unlikely—Sulc is in advanced talks with a German club, and Sanches recently suffered a serious ACL injury.
Unlike those other targets, Hamer brings proven experience in English football and is already settled in Yorkshire. His creativity and knack for scoring goals make him an ideal candidate for Leeds’ coveted number ten role. Leeds had a £13 million bid rejected by Sheffield United back in 2023, but with their willingness to offer closer to £20 million now—and if the Blades once again fail to earn promotion—there’s a good chance Hamer could be on his way to join Daniel Farke’s squad, possibly alongside former teammate Jayden Bogle.
Speaking to Football League World, Hendrie acknowledged Leeds’ long-standing interest in Hamer. “If Sheffield United don’t go up, that could be the key to unlocking this move,” he said. He praised Hamer as one of the most gifted midfielders in the Championship, describing him as a player with “X-factor” and suggesting that he would be a strong addition for Leeds.
Hamer recently received the Championship Player of the Year award for the 2024/25 season, having notched nine goals and seven assists. The Brazilian-born midfielder, formerly of the Dutch Eredivisie, is renowned for his set-piece prowess and embodies the kind of grit and drive that Daniel Farke demands from his attacking players.
Still, Hendrie isn’t ruling out a Sheffield United promotion. “I’ve just got a feeling they will go up, and that’ll be down to Gus Hamer,” he added. However, he also noted that if the Blades fall short again, Leeds will be ready to pounce—especially given that Hamer fits the mold of players the club is now able to attract, even if high fees remain a hurdle.
Leeds CEO Angus Kinnear also confirmed the club’s interest in Hamer last year. He revealed that Leeds had identified Hamer as a significant upgrade for their squad even before he joined Sheffield United from Coventry. Kinnear explained that although Leeds didn’t expect the Blades to sell to a promotion rival, there were indications through agents and other contacts that a deal might be possible. They made a formal offer, but Sheffield United made it clear there was no price they would accept, especially from a direct competitor.
With the promotion race nearing its climax, all eyes will be on Sheffield United’s fate. Should they once again fall short in the play-offs, their hardline stance on Hamer might finally soften—offering Leeds a golden opportunity to complete a deal that has been two years in the making.
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