Exclusive: Why it will be "difficult" for Leeds United to sign Sheffield United's Gus Hamer in January - Sky Sports man reveals | OneFootball

Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has given his thoughts on Gus Hamer's Sheffield United future, with Leeds reportedly reigniting their interest.

Since joining Sheffield United in 2023, Gus Hamer has been instrumental for the Blades.

The midfielder made the move from Coventry City following Sheffield United's promotion to the Premier League under Paul Heckingbottom.

While his four goals and six assists weren't enough to keep the Blades in the top-flight, he took on a talismanic role as Chris Wilder took the club to the Championship play-off final last term, finishing the campaign with 10 goals and eight assists.

After the Blades fell short against Sunderland at Wembley in May, Hamer was attracting interest from the Premier League, with Everton and newly promoted Leeds United named over the summer months, with the latter having been mentioned in recent reports from Football Insider, suggesting that the Whites have reignited their interest in the Dutchman.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has given his thoughts on the reported interest, suggesting that it could be difficult to strike a deal in January.

Don Goodman gives thoughts on Gus Hamer's Blades future

When asked whether the player and club would be a good fit for each other, Goodman expressed concerns as to whether a deal could be reached in the first place, saying: "I think it would probably be difficult for Leeds to get Hamer in January.

"He has just picked up a medial knee injury in training, so he is not going to be playing, most certainly for a few weeks if reports are correct."

Manager Chris Wilder recently said: "We’re keeping our fingers crossed that it's going to be a short-term injury," with Hamer making his way around Bramall Lane with a knee brace during Saturday's clash against Watford.

Goodman went on to look at the opening months of the season for the Blades: "When you analyse the season so far, he has been part of a real struggle at Sheffield United, and we haven't seen the best of Gus Hamer.

"And, Sheffield United would still demand big money. So, if you are Leeds, would you be prepared to pay big money for a player who hasn't produced his best thus far this season?"

Football Insider reports that the club are unwilling to entertain offers for Hamer in January, with the midfielder considered vital to a potential uptick in form at Bramall Lane. Thus far, though, the 28-year-old has registered just one assist across his opening nine Championship matches.

"There are a lot of reasons why I don't think January would be the right time for Hamer to move," added Goodman. "But, in the summer, he will only have one year left on his contract. And if, come the summer, Sheffield United are still in the Championship - it looks for all the world that they will be - then it would be best for both parties if he moved on.

"We will wait and see on this one," concluded Goodman.

Gus Hamer could prove pivotal for either club

While the Blades have improved since the return of Chris Wilder, the five consecutive losses under Ruben Selles have set the club a lot further back than they would wish to be at this stage of the season.

Still sitting in a shock position, Hamer could prove pivotal when it comes to a potential turnaround at Bramall Lane. And the same could be said about Leeds United.

The Whites find themselves sitting 16th in the Premier League, with eight points put on the board after eight matches. However, a recent loss to fellow promoted outfit Burnley brings concern.

Hamer was part of a Sheffield United side sent back down from the top flight with relative ease two years ago, with the midfielder being the Blades' most important individual for large parts of the campaign. His technical excellence, creative instincts, and supreme set-piece quality could be the difference for Leeds this season as they aim to secure Premier League survival.

United, though, consider Hamer a crucial cog in their own turnaround, and are naturally unwilling to sell their star man.

For now, all signs suggest that he will remain at Bramall Lane beyond January, given his importance to Wilder's side. But, with his contract ticking down, and Premier League interest unlikely to fade, the Dutchman's long-term future will be a story to watch moving into the summer - something heavily dependent on which division the Blades find themselves in.