Exclusive: Leeds Set to Renew Pursuit of Gus Hamer Despite Player’s Desire for Holland Switch

Leeds United will swoop for Gus Hamer when the transfer window reopens in January if Sheffield United prove unable to arrest their woeful run of form, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal. 

The attacker featured prominently among Daniel Farke’s list of targets following The Whites’ promotion from the Championship last term, only for the player to express a preference for a switch to Holland instead. 

But when a move to the Eredivisie failed to materialise, Hamer, one of the most talented performers in England’s second tier, elected to remain in South Yorkshire despite United’s failure to secure top-flight football themselves. 

Despite being among the pre-season favourites for the title, the Blades made a miserable start to the campaign under Chris Wilder’s successor Ruben Selles; losing all six of their outings under the Spaniard before reappointing the man he replaced.

They entered the international break languishing at the foot of the table, having won just one of their four matches following Wilder’s return.

Hamer Holding out for Holland

Although Farke is aware Hamer, previously of Coventry City, views Ajax, PSV Eindhoven or Feyenoord as more preferable destinations than Elland Road, primarily for family reasons, that will not deter him from testing United’s resolve to retain the services of their best player after the Christmas period. 

Wilder views the 28-year-old, who despite being born in Brazil represented the Netherlands at under-18 and under-20 level, as an integral part of his plans to steer the Blades to safety. 

Crucially, though, he could be forced to consider bids for Hamer after COH Sports, United’s American owners, elected to slash their playing budget following last term’s play-off final defeat to Sunderland. 

In order to draft in reinforcements, particularly in defensive areas, that could mean the club are tempted to entertain bids for Hamer who, despite not actively looking for a move away, remains ambitious to operate at the highest level possible.