“He might...” - Chris Wilder addresses Gus Hamer Sheffield United future as Leeds United transfer link resurfaces

All options are seemingly on the table when it comes to Gus Hamer’s future at Sheffield United, ahead of a pivotal summer for the Blades’ most talented player. The Brazilian-born Dutchman is set to enter the final 12 months of his contract on July 1.

A long-time player of interest for United’s county rivals Leeds United, the most recent link with Elland Road came as no surprise. French journalist Sébastien Vidal reported this week that Leeds have “made enquiries” about Hamer’s situation.

Vidal, who did not clarify whether those reported enquiries were made to United or to Hamer’s representatives, added that Hamer could “could represent a low-cost opportunity this summer” and “a serious lead to bolster the midfield” at Leeds.

“He might...” - Chris Wilder addresses Gus Hamer Sheffield United future as Leeds United transfer link resurfaces

United began dialogue with Hamer’s representatives earlier this season about the possibility of a new deal but are yet to receive a definitive answer either way. United’s previous policy has been to sell players entering the final year of their contracts, but that relies on a suitable bid being placed on the table.

The situation is a wholly uncertain one as to whether Unitedites will see the last of Hamer in a United shirt at Derby County tomorrow. Speaking ahead of the trip to Pride Park, boss Chris Wilder said:”We'll obviously see what happens with Gus.

“Undecided about that situation, whether he stays or whether he goes. He's still got another year left of his contract. But at the top of the pitch we’ve been okay. I think everybody understands when they watch us play, where we need to improve and need to be better at.”

United will not want the uncertainty over Hamer’s future to overshadow a huge summer in which Wilder will need funds to pay for a big rebuild. But the flip side of that quandry is that United, in Hamer, have a player with undoubted quality despite not hitting the heights this season.

Asked if it was in his mind to set a deadline for a decision, Wilder replied: “No, but if he doesn't sign a contract and nobody comes in for him, he's our player for a year. And he might want to run his contract down.

“He might want to see what options are there and he might see what we've got to offer. I don't think there are any more options out there. If he wants to run his contract down and he doesn't sign, then he'll come back and he'll do pre-season and be part of the squad.

“The same with Tyrese [Campbell, who is also out of contract in 2027.] If he wants to have that discussion with the club and it's a positive one, then we add length to the contract. If it's a negative one, he goes back to run his contract down. And the third one is, who comes in for him?

“And if somebody comes in for him, then it's up to the club to negotiate the right price that we feel is for a player that has not had his best season. The team has not had its best season.

“But only the season before that, he was the Championship player of the year. And my challenge is getting him back up to that standard with a big pre-season ahead.”