Sheffield United Key Man Dreaming of Return to Home Country to Play for His First Club Again | OneFootball

Sheffield United knew they were getting a player of high quality when they signed Gustavo Hamer from Coventry City, for a reported £15 million fee in the summer of 2023.

Despite a miserable season for the club in the 2023/24 campaign, which resulted in the Blades finishing bottom of the Premier League table, the Dutch attacking midfielder netted four goals and served up six assists in his debut term for the club.

This season, despite a few niggling injuries and suspensions, Hamer has once again shown his qualities, scoring seven times and making five assists – he is the club’s top combined scorer and assist-maker – but will he be with United for much longer?

Speaking recently to 1908.nl, Hamer was asked about the possibility of playing for Feyenoord again after his brief spell with them early in his career. He said, “Feyenoord is still my club, and I watch every game. I think it’s a shame that they sometimes have peaks and troughs, because I see them playing against AC Milan and then they really do fantastic again. Only then they’re unhappy with the matches after that. I would really like to end up at Feyenoord myself. That would be really great.”

There is no doubt that Hamer still has a close connection to his boyhood club Feyenoord, and it’s not really unrealistic to suggest the 27-year-old could find himself playing in the Eredivisie league in the next few years, or even for a team playing in European competitions.

Hamer has already proven he is too good for the Championship, and he’d likely love another crack at the Premier League with the Blades. But, if Sheffield United were to fail in their current promotion bid, then this could see the Dutchman leave S2 in the summer.

Gustavo Hamer’s Season at Sheffield United

Gustavo Hamer giving Sheffield United the lead against Plymouth Argyle with his volley from the edge of the box. (Image Credit: Sheffield United Football Club).

Hamer has been deployed in almost a free role this season; while team sheets and formation graphics may have him listed as a left-winger, he is playing inverted half of the time. And, he has the freedom to even drift into the right half-space if it means picking the ball up in the final third and conjuring something up.

Hamer averages over six progressive passes per 90, which sees him rank in the top percentile compared to every Championship attacking midfielder and winger this season. While his overall pass completion percentage is poor, this is because he attempts things out of the ordinary, so you cannot begrudge him for that.

It’s no surprise to see Hamer rank in the 91st percentile for both shot totals per 90 and shot-creating actions per 90; he averages almost three shots and over four shot-creating actions. He also ranks in the 96th percentile for expected assists. To put it simply, he is one of the biggest attacking and creative forces the Championship has seen over the last few years.

No matter what happens with the Blades in the Championship promotion run-in, Hamer will be linked with a number of clubs in the summer, and I’m sure Chris Wilder and co will be prepared for the speculation.

All stats taken from FBref – Correct as of 20/03/25.