Everton will be the envy of Sheffield United for two big reasons if they seal Gus Hamer transfer | OneFootball

If Sheffield United's Gus Hamer were to make an Everton move this summer, the Toffees would become the envy of Sheffield United.

Sheffield United star Gus Hamer is expected to depart from Bramall Lane this summer, with Everton and newly promoted Leeds United reportedly set to battle for the 27-year-old.

The Brazilian-born midfielder has been a crucial cog in Chris Wilder's side this term, with the Blades reaching the Championship play-off final, before coming out on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline against Sunderland.

As per reports from talkSPORT, Hamer's departure is expected over the summer, following in the footsteps of the previous Championship Player of the Season, Crysencio Summerville, who joined West Ham following his 2023/24 exploits.

Championship winners Leeds, alongside Everton, set to move into their new stadium under David Moyes, have entered the race, according to talkSPORT.

Should Hamer make the move to Merseyside, Everton would become the envy of Sheffield United supporters, with their talisman following in the footsteps of the man that came before him, Iliman Ndiaye, now operating as one of Everton's key men.

Gus Hamer's influence echoes a familiar Sheffield United story

Hamer has undoubtedly been the most important weapon in Chris Wilder's arsenal this term, scoring nine goals and picking up seven assists on the way to picking up the Championship Player of the Season award.

However, you do not have to look too far into the past to find a player with a similar talismanic influence on Sheffield United.

While Iliman Ndiaye had a slow start to life in the Steel City following his 2019 arrival, the Senegalese international continued to steadily improve, particularly under the guidance of Paul Heckingbottom. This was before the forward's form completely exploded in the 2022/23 season following the end of Morgan Gibbs-White's loan spell.

Ndiaye became the main man at Bramall Lane as the Blades went on to earn promotion to the Premier League.

Being the sole force of energy, creation and drive in Sheffield United's side, FLW's Blades Fan Pundit Jimmy said that: "He is the best player I have ever seen in a Sheffield United shirt."

Iliman Ndiaye's departure could haunt Blades fans again this summer

Despite securing promotion to the Premier League, it was always going to be a challenge for the Blades to hold on to their star player, particularly as he had entered the final year of his contract and attracted considerable attention from elsewhere.

As expected, Ndiaye’s departure soon followed, with Marseille striking a deal reportedly worth up to £20 million. The chance to join his boyhood club was an opportunity he simply couldn’t turn down.

However, things didn’t quite go to plan for him in France. After an underwhelming spell in Ligue 1, Ndiaye made the move back to England last summer, signing for Everton and finally getting his first taste of Premier League football.

Particularly since the return of David Moyes to Everton, Ndiaye has thrived in the Premier League, scoring nine goals in 33 appearances as the Toffees have been steered away from a relegation battle.

Now, it’s starting to feel like déjà vu for Sheffield United fans.

Hamer’s rise mirrors that of Iliman Ndiaye in so many ways, a standout performer in the Championship, dragging the team forward with moments of brilliance, only to be eyed up by bigger clubs when summer rolls around. For Blades supporters, it’s a tough pill to swallow. You grow attached, you dare to believe in a project, and then the cycle begins again.

If Hamer does leave, he’ll be following the same path Ndiaye did just a year earlier. And to make matters worse for United fans, it might be to the same destination.

Everton already have a blueprint. They took a chance on Ndiaye, and it paid off. Since David Moyes returned, the Senegalese international has looked at home in the Premier League, scoring goals, creating chances, and becoming a key part of the Toffees’ attack.