Chris Wilder makes new Gus Hamer demand at Sheffield United as Coventry lurk | OneFootball

Chris Wilder still expects Gustavo Hamer to give his all for Sheffield United, despite interest from his former club Coventry City

Sheffield United have rejected Coventry City's opening bid for Gustavo Hamer, and while there's interest from the Dutchman over a return to the CBS Arena, Blades boss Chris Wilder expects him to continue giving 100% for his current club.

The Blades kick off their third consecutive campaign at Championship level next weekend with a home matchup against Birmingham City, needing to better their 13th-placed finish from last season.

It's the first year since their 2018/19 promotion term under Wilder that Sheffield United have begun a second-tier campaign without Premier League parachute payments, meaning that purses are a little tighter and there's more of an onus on raising money from player sales.

Already, the Blades have reluctantly bid farewell to academy product Andre Brooks, who joined Norwich City for £8 million, and another saleable asset in Hamer could follow suit, especially given he's entering the final year of his deal and could go and play in the top flight.

Chris Wilder responds to recent Gustavo Hamer and Femi Seriki transfer bids

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According to Sky Sports, Hamer has been the subject of a rejected bid from Coventry, with there being a gap in the valuation of the Dutchman.

The 29-year-old isn't the only Sheffield United player who has had top-flight interest in him, as Serie A side Sassuolo have reportedly had a loan-to-buy bid rejected for promising right-back Femi Seriki.

Both players were involved in Chris Wilder's pre-season preparations, playing in the goalless draw at Bochum in Germany on Saturday, and the Blades boss expects them both to continue focusing on their careers at Bramall Lane while interested clubs fall short of their asking price.

"They're contracted to Sheffield United, first and foremost and full-stop," Wilder told the Sheffield Star. "When they're not, then we'll move on to other players.

"They're contracted to Sheffield United, and I expect 100% commitment. To give everything for the shirt. We're paying the wages; I've always said it's up to them. If they take care of the football, then football will take care of them.

"Both players are fully committed to the football club as we speak. If it changes, it changes, as we move on."

Gustavo Hamer's contract situation could make a sale inevitable this summer at Sheffield United

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It's always difficult for a Championship side to keep their players from interested Premier League clubs, especially when they already have a prior connection with that top-flight outfit.

Indeed, Coventry sold Hamer to Sheffield United for £15 million back in the summer of 2023, when the Blades were a newly promoted top-flight side, and the Sky Blues had missed out in the play-off final. Three years later, the tables have turned.

In this case, though, a move for the 29-year-old could feel a little more inevitable, given his contract situation. The Dutchman's four-year deal he signed when he moved to Bramall Lane runs out next summer, and the Blades will likely not want to lose him for free.

In recent seasons, the likes of Sander Berge, Iliman Ndiaye and Anel Ahmedhodzic have all been cashed in on ahead of the final year of their deals.

However, that doesn't mean that they're keen on losing him for less than their valuation. Given the quality he possesses, Sheffield United would likely struggle to replace him with the budget restrictions they are evidently under this summer if they accept a cut-price bid.

It is a risk for Chris Wilder's side, losing him for free in June, but if it can contribute to a promotion this season, it would be worth it. Ultimately, though, all Coventry need to do is raise their price, and the South Yorkshire side won't stand in the way of a sale.

How Sheffield United fans feel about their Gustavo Hamer transfer stance

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Coventry made their first bid to bring Hamer back to the CBS Arena on Monday evening, and when it was revealed that Sheffield United were holding firm on their valuation, Blades fans were disappointed at the prospect of losing him, but at least they found encouragement in that they weren't set to accept any bid for him.

"Gutted but if we get close to £8m/£9m then we have funds for a centre half," one fan said, "Good financial deal for the Blades for a player who leaves on a free next summer and is a big earner," another admitted.

"If the sale enables the signing of Souttar and possibly helps with the signing of others, it wouldn’t be a disaster," one other fan wrote, and a fourth stated, "It's only a matter of time now, just hope we get a half decent deal rather than a bag of Quavers as usual. Can't blame the lad at all."

It may, indeed, only be a matter of time before Hamer bids farewell to Bramall Lane. His value may be a little lower now than what it was this time last year, following his Player of the Season campaign in the Championship, but the Blades should still stand to receive a decent fee for the Dutchman, even if he is in the final year of his contract.