Leeds United are eyeing players all over the pitch this summer, and Sheffield United’s Gus Hamer is one player to have emerged as a target.
Gus Hamer has been on Leeds United’s radar for some time now, having been keen to sign the versatile midfielder last summer.
Leeds could now revive a move after Sheffield United’s failure to gain promotion via the play-offs but Everton have also added Hamer to their shortlist.
Chris Wilder has provided an update on Hamer, with his contract situation and PSR pressure meaning a sale could be inevitable after the play-off final but other departures can’t be ruled out.
Leeds should move for Sheffield United’s Michael Cooper
Defeat to Sunderland meant they did not join Leeds in the Premier League, with Burnley the only relegated side to bounce back at the first time of asking.
It’s why Sheffield United chiefs are concerned about losing Hamer after failure to gain promotion. The Championship Player of the Season is above second tier level in terms of his ability.
That explains why Leeds fans are buzzing with the Hamer links. That, and also that it is perhaps down to the fact he fixes a problem in Daniel Farke’s side.
Leeds have Brenden Aaronson as one of the weakest links in their starting lineup, but Illan Meslier is the other problem area. His performances meant Karl Darlow ended the season in goal, but Leeds require an upgrade on both.
Sheffield United’s Michael Cooper could provide Leeds with the answer. Despite his lack of experience of Premier League football, the 25-year-old has been the other best goalkeeper in the league in 2024/25 with James Trafford.
Standing at around 6’1”, he is not the tallest. However, Cooper commands his box well and has showcased his outstanding reflexes to cement himself as the best goalkeeper outside of the Premier League.
His best years lie ahead of him and Cooper could be a goalkeeper Leeds have in mind. He was signed for around £2 million last summer, meaning he could be a PSR win for the Blades and potentially allow them to hang on to Hamer.
Where Michael Cooper ranks among Championship goalkeepers
The play-off final heartbreak against Sunderland was just under two weeks ago, and things are still fresh for Cooper and Sheffield United as they continue to stew over it and pick apart what went wrong.
Leeds could fix a problem in their team and add to that misery by acquiring his services and signing a goalkeeper who excelled statistically last season.
| Value | League rank | |
| Clean sheets | 21 | =2nd |
| Save percentage | 76.9% | 2nd |
| Saves per 90 | 2.6 p90 | 10th |
| Goals prevented (xG difference) | 5.7 | 5th |
| Goals conceded | 0.9 p90 | 3rd |
He is a player deserving of his Premier League chance, but how affordable he is and how willing Leeds are to take a risk like that? It remains to be seen, but Cooper may actually be the better pick for Leeds over Hamer this summer.
Chris Wilder will want to keep Cooper but it’s hard to stand in the way of a player when Premier League football comes calling.
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