Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer has become the center of a swirling transfer saga as multiple European clubs circle for his signature, with a surprisingly low price tag of £6 million attached to the Dutch-Brazilian midfielder. The 28-year-old, once hailed as the creative engine behind the Blades’ midfield, now finds himself at a career crossroads, with his future at Bramall Lane hanging in the balance as the January transfer window heats up.
Interest in Hamer has skyrocketed in recent weeks, with Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor, Spain’s Sevilla, and Italian Serie A outfit Cremonese all reportedly keen on securing his services. According to respected journalist Ben Jacobs, all three clubs are lining up offers, and Trabzonspor are ‘officially in the race,’ ready to table a bid in the coming days. The Turkish club’s current roster already boasts several former Premier League players, including Okay Yokuslu, Stefan Savic, Ozan Tufan, Andre Onana, and Paul Onuachu, and they seem eager to add Hamer’s experience and creativity to their ranks.
For Sheffield United, Hamer’s potential departure would mark the end of a significant chapter. The midfielder joined the Blades in the summer of 2023, transferring from Coventry City for a hefty £15 million fee. At the time, he was seen as a transformative signing, fresh off an impressive stint at Coventry where he tallied 19 goals and 19 assists in 132 appearances. Hamer’s arrival was meant to solidify United’s midfield and push the club back toward Premier League contention.
And for a while, it worked. Hamer played a pivotal role in Sheffield United’s 2024-25 campaign, helping the team reach the Championship play-off final with ten goals and eight assists. Despite the heartbreak of defeat to Sunderland and the club’s subsequent relegation from the Premier League, Hamer chose to stay put, much to the surprise and delight of Blades supporters. His loyalty was rewarded with the Championship Player of the Season award—a testament to his influence and consistency on the pitch.
Yet, the 2025-26 season has told a different story. Under the guidance of manager Chris Wilder, Sheffield United have experienced a resurgence, losing just twice in their last eleven matches and racking up seven wins. However, Hamer’s role has diminished. He’s started only five of the last ten matches, with Wilder preferring Callum O’Hare in the playmaker role. In total, Hamer has made 18 Championship appearances this season, contributing seven goals (scored or assisted) in all competitions by January 2026. His absence from the starting lineup during the recent 2-1 win over Stoke City highlighted his waning importance.
Despite his reduced role, Hamer’s pedigree is undeniable. Across 104 appearances for the Blades, he’s netted 19 goals and provided 18 assists. His versatility has seen him deployed as a deep-lying playmaker, a box-to-box midfielder, an advanced number ten, and even as a left-sided winger. His knack for scoring from range and delivering pinpoint set pieces has made him a match-winner on more than one occasion. In fact, he was among the scorers during Sheffield United’s shock FA Cup defeat to Mansfield Town earlier this month—a reminder of his ability to shine in crucial moments.
It’s not just his statistics that have drawn suitors. Hamer’s style—combining relentless work rate with creative flair—has made him a coveted asset for clubs seeking midfield reinforcement. Trabzonspor’s interest is particularly notable, as the Turkish side looks to bolster its squad following rumors of potential departures for Batista Mendy and Christ Inao Oulai. Spanish side Sevilla, currently languishing in 14th place in La Liga and struggling for creativity (having failed to create any ‘big chances’ in their recent 1-0 loss to Celta Vigo), see Hamer as a possible solution to their midfield woes. Meanwhile, Cremonese, sitting 13th in Serie A and eager to avoid a relegation scrap, are searching for experienced midfielders to complement their recent signings, including veteran striker Jamie Vardy and Brighton loanee Jeremy Sarmiento.
Financially, the situation is intriguing. Sheffield United paid £15 million for Hamer just 18 months ago, yet reports now suggest he could be available for only £6 million—a fraction of his previous valuation. This drop in price is partly due to Hamer entering the final 18 months of his four-year contract, signed in 2023. Last summer, Leeds United reportedly had a £13 million bid rejected, with the Blades holding out for £20 million at the time. Now, with Hamer’s influence waning and his contract ticking down, United may be forced to cash in before his value drops further.
"It’s difficult for Leeds to sign Hamer this month," noted one source, reflecting on the Yorkshire club’s ongoing interest and the financial realities of the deal. Still, with the reported £6 million fee now within reach, Leeds manager Daniel Farke could be tempted to revive negotiations, especially as he looks to inject creativity into his squad for a promotion push.
The Blades’ willingness to part with Hamer has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike. Some argue that the team has looked sharper without him, with O’Hare’s emergence as a creative force coinciding with United’s recent run of form. Others warn that losing a player of Hamer’s caliber—especially for such a modest fee—could undermine the club’s ambitions for the remainder of the season. There’s even talk of potential replacements, with Birmingham City’s Marc Leonard linked as a possible successor should Hamer depart in January.
As for Hamer himself, his next move remains uncertain. Having begun his career at Feyenoord, enjoyed spells at FC Dordrecht and PEC Zwolle, and made his name at Coventry, he’s no stranger to new challenges. Whether he chooses the lure of the Turkish Super Lig, the bright lights of La Liga, or the tactical intrigue of Serie A, one thing is clear: his time at Bramall Lane may soon draw to a close.
With the January transfer window in full swing and offers expected imminently, Sheffield United fans are left to wonder—will Hamer stay and help mount a playoff charge, or will he embark on a new adventure abroad? The coming days promise plenty of intrigue as this transfer saga unfolds.
