'I expect' - Claim made on Coventry City, Gus Hamer transfer reunion | OneFootball

Gustavo Hamer could be set for a return to Coventry City this summer after the Sky Blues' promotion to the Premier League

Coventry City's 25-year wait to be a Premier League club once again is finally close to being over, with Frank Lampard having guided the Blues back to the top-flight, confirmed in their 1-1 draw away to Blackburn Rovers last Friday.

When Coventry were relegated from the Premier League in 2001 under Gordon Strachan, there was a sense among the fanbase that one day the club would return.

However, many had hoped and expected that it wouldn't be 25 years later, but as the saying goes, 'better late than never', as the Sky Blues will be playing top-flight football once again next season.

It has truly been a remarkable campaign for Lampard's side, with their fate never really looking in doubt, even during their difficult runs of form, as plans for the summer transfer window will have already been long discussed.

With promotion now official, transfer plans will now likely begin to accelerate, as Coventry could well make a move for a former star who is on the cusp of leaving Sheffield United this summer.

Former Coventry assistant manager expects Gus Hamer to make Sky Blues reunion from Sheffield United this summer

Dutch midfielder Gus Hamer spent three years contracted to Coventry, having joined the club in the summer of 2020 from PEC Zwolle, and very quickly became one of the club's most important players.

The midfielder made 132 appearances for the Sky Blues across all competitions, scoring 19 and assisting 24, before joining Sheffield United in the summer of 2023 for around £15 million after Coventry failed to beat Luton Town in the play-off final.

Since then, Hamer has continued to shine in South Yorkshire in both the Premier League and Championship, and now, at 28 and entering the last year of his contract at Bramall Lane, a summer exit looks increasingly likely.

The Blades will need to sell this summer upon the expiry of their parachute payments, and Hamer is one of the most likely candidates to collect a significant enough fee to make his sale worthwhile.

Former Coventry assistant manager, Mick Brown, has told Football Insider his thoughts on a potential return to Coventry for Hamer this summer, saying: "The issue you always face as a newly-promoted club is, you can’t necessarily shop in the same markets as other more established Premier League clubs.

"Coventry will be looking at the best players in the Championship who might be able to make that step up into the Premier League with them.

"Hamer is definitely among them and he’s shown that over a number of years.

"They still rate him very highly at Coventry and the fans loved him when he was there, so it would make sense for both parties if he was to make a return.

"I expect it’s something they will both be interested in doing if it’s possible, because he has got the quality at his best to make them into a better team."

Indeed, there will be certain sections of Coventry supporters that would love to see Hamer return to the club this summer, with his time at the CBS Arena pivotal in helping them get to this point now.

At 28, the Brazilian-born midfielder ought to be in the prime of his career. Able to cover a variety of positions across the pitch and unlikely to demand a ridiculous amount of game time, this deal makes sense in more ways than one.

Whether Lampard would sanction a return for Hamer remains to be seen, but given his age, profile, potential price, and affiliation with the club, it's certainly a deal to keep an eye on as the summer window approaches.

Frank Lampard could sanction the emotional return of Gus Hamer from Sheffield United this summer

Heading into the summer, Lampard will already have clear plans for what his transfer window may look like.

Despite clinching promotion with three games to spare, upgrades throughout the Sky Blues squad will be a necessity if they are to stand a chance of staying up next campaign.

Lampard must be ruthless in his squad-building, which may mean making decisions that are not in the best interest of the supporters may have to be made.

Hamer's return to the club would no doubt be a popular one, but whether the deal makes sense for the club at this stage remains to be seen.

Although the club will have more money than ever to spend on incomings, spending wisely must remain a top priority, and whether Hamer would be a smart signing is something only Lampard can decide.