Leeds United have reportedly agreed personal terms with Sheffield United midfielder Gustavo Hamer and all a move hinges on is agreeing a fee with the Blades, a player Paul Heckingbottom signed.
Hamer, 25, is easily one of the best midfielders in the Championship currently and has already shown that this season with two goals in his three league games. Little surprise then, that Leeds want to sign him.
Daniel Farke has made it clear that he wanted four new signings after the departure of Georginio Rutter to Brighton. He wanted replacements for Rutter and Crysencio Summerville, and is about to get them.
Largie Ramazani is in, and Manor Solomon is set to arrive on loan. He wants a goalscoring midfielder and a full-back with Hamer the subject of a £13m bid from Leeds and interest in Bournemouth’s Max Aarons.
Reports in The Netherlands even claim that Leeds have actually agreed personal terms with Hamer ahead of a potential move, but Sheffield United look unwilling to sell their best player to a Championship rival.
What Heckingbottom said in 2023 having signed Hamer
Following promotion to the Premier League, former Leeds manager and then-Sheffield United boss Heckingbottom paid £15m to sign Brazil-born Hamer for Sheffield United from Coventry City.
He enjoyed a solid season in the Premier League despite the Blades being relegated and now, Leeds want to sign the midfielder. Heckingbottom described Hamer as “tenacious” in an interview with Sky Sports.
“He is tenacious. He is all action. He is brave to get on the ball, he is not scared to risk the ball, he is prepared to make things happen,” Heckingbottom said. “He will compete, he will tackle, he will run back.
“People like that are infectious. Indeed, that is the manager’s hope. If you are able to acquire people like that, you are almost sending that message to other people, aren’t you?” Heckingbottom continued.
What Sheffield United have told Leeds after initial Hamer bid
Reports say that amid talks between Leeds and Sheffield United before a bid was made, the Blades told Leeds to return to with a bigger offer for Hamer. The £13m fee is some way off the Blades’ valuation.
However, it is clear that Sheffield United are open to his exit for the right price. Sheffield United have also identified a possible replacement for Hamer in the form of Celtic attacker Mikey Johnston this summer.
Adam Pope says it is unlikely Leeds go back in with a second bid for Hamer but the chances are that if the price is increased, Sheffield United may at least sit at the negotiation table for their Brazilian playmaker.
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