Exclusive: Sky Sports pundit tips Leeds United for Gus Hamer transfer raid on one condition | OneFootball

Hendrie thinks the Whites could make another move for Hamer if Sheffield United do not seal promotion through the play-offs

Former footballer and current EFL pundit Lee Hendrie has backed Leeds United to try to sign Sheffield United midfielder Gustavo Hamer this summer if the Blades are unable to seal promotion to the Premier League through the play-offs next month.

Hamer has been one of the second-tier's top midfielders over the last few seasons, and he was one of the few Blades' players that emerged with credit following a turbulent 2023/24 Premier League campaign that saw them relegated in dismal fashion.

Chris Wilder's side have bounced back to strong effect this season, but have missed out on automatic promotion following a poor run of recent form, with both Leeds and Burnley now battling it out to win the title and preparing for life back in the top-flight.

The Blades now must attempt to seal an immediate return to the Premier League through the play-offs, and while Hamer will continue to be a key part of their side over the next month, he could well depart this summer if they are unable to get out of the second-tier.

Lee Hendrie backs Leeds United to make Gus Hamer approach on one condition

Hamer signed for Sheffield United from Coventry City in 2023 for a reported fee of around £15 million. He has been one of the Blades' key men in the last two seasons, and his impressive top-flight form last term saw Leeds register their interest in his services ahead of this campaign.

The Whites reportedly saw an offer of around £13m duly rejected by Sheffield United as the August transfer deadline edged ever closer, and he remained at Bramall Lane to help Wilder's men in their charge for promotion this season.

Hamer has continued to be a standout in the second-tier, despite the Blades eventually missing out on a top two spot, with nine goals and seven assists in 40 league appearances up to now.

His strong form is sure to attract further attention from interested clubs this summer, and ex-professional player and current EFL pundit Lee Hendrie has backed Leeds to reignite their interest in his services in the months to come, but only if Sheffield United fail to go up through the play-offs.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Hendrie said: “Obviously (Leeds) were interested (in Hamer), and particularly if the Blades don’t go up, I think that is going to be the key factor, isn’t it?

“He’s a very good player, and he has had a lot of clubs that were sniffing around him, even before going to Sheffield United.

“He’s proven that he has got that x-factor, one of the better players in the Championship arguably, in that position, anyway.

“You’d feel that Leeds may look at him, and feel that he could be a good addition to them. I think he could be, for sure.

“I can’t really rule out that Sheffield United won’t get promoted; I’ve just got a feeling that they will.

“That’ll be down to Gus Hamer, but I’m pretty sure that Leeds will be looking for very similar sort of players that they can attract, probably not with such a big fee.

“Gus would tick the box for them, so it wouldn’t surprise me if they go for him if (Sheffield United) are not promoted.”

Leeds have been linked to Hamer before - a summer move will depend on the Blades' league status

Leeds will have already begun their planning for life back in the Premier League after their promotion was confirmed last Monday, but whether that involves another approach for Hamer after they failed to sign him last summer remains to be seen.

The Whites' £13m bid last summer was deemed derisory by the Blades' board, but the feelings were that a bid in the region of £20 million may have been enough to see them enter contract talks for the 27-year-old.

A recent report from The Athletic has revealed that Leeds' chiefs did not believe that Hamer was worth that kind of fee, and so refused to go any higher than their initial bid. Sheffield United will no doubt demand a similar figure this time around, and it is likely to be even higher if they are also back in the Premier League.

The Blades' play-off preparations got off to a good start last time out with a comfortable 2-0 win over Stoke City, and they face Blackburn Rovers on the final day of the regular campaign next week before the play-off semi-finals against one of Bristol City, Coventry City, Millwall, Middlesbrough or Rovers.

It is fair to say that they will fancy their chances of going up, despite disappointment in missing out on the top two. Wilder will want to keep hold of his key men if they are back in the top-flight, and it seems highly unlikely that they would sell to Leeds if they are each in the same division for 2025/26.