Sheffield United's Gus Hamer set for Coventry City return? Doug King sent clear transfer message | OneFootball

Coventry City have been told to pursue a deal for Sheffield United's Gus Hamer following their promotion to the Premier League.

Coventry City won the Championship title in style as they hammered Portsmouth 5-1 at the CBS Arena on Tuesday night.

Frank Lampard’s men had done the hard work by winning promotion at Blackburn last week, but they wanted to crown this fantastic campaign by securing top spot, and they did it with a convincing win over Pompey.

Since their return to the Premier League was confirmed, the recruitment team will have had one eye on next season, and it’s clear that a lot of work is required if Coventry are to establish themselves in the top flight after 25 years away.

So, it will be intriguing to see what sort of business they do, and, as you would expect, fans are already dreaming about who will be part of their Premier League adventure.

Coventry City told to pursue Gus Hamer deal

And, one name mentioned among many of the Sky Blues supporters is Gus Hamer.

The Sheffield United attacking midfielder is out of contract at Bramall Lane in 2027, so there are doubts about his future, and Blades chief Chris Wilder has admitted he could depart if fresh terms aren’t agreed.

Hamer is well-known to Coventry fans, as he joined the club from Zwolle in 2021, and he went on to establish himself as one of the best players in the league.

The 28-year-old was particularly impressive in the 2022/23 season, but Coventry’s play-off final defeat to Luton meant keeping Hamer always seemed unlikely, and he ultimately moved to Yorkshire.

Nevertheless, he remains a popular figure at the club, and when asked by FLW whether it’s a deal they should try to make happen following promotion, Coventry fan pundit Chris Deez made it clear it’s one he wants to see happen, particularly as reports have previously stated he could be available for just £6m.

“I absolutely want it to happen, and I can 100% see it happening.

“I’ve read that Sheffield United are looking to sell Hamer and Sydie Peck to fund their summer rebuild, and whilst there’s no specific numbers, it has been said that Hamer is available for anywhere between £6m to £8m. I’d snap him up for that!

“He would want to come home to Coventry. He still visits the area, he has friends and family here, he has been to the stadium, he is always taking photos with fans, and I’m pretty sure he’s involved with some charities as well.

“It makes all the sense in the world for Hamer to come back. He’s got that Premier League experience as well, even if it was only one season. He knows the club, the players and I think he would flourish under Lampard, who could mould him in his own image, even if Hamer is getting on a bit. But, Lampard was still banging in goals and leading Chelsea to success at that age, so it could work really well.

“We don’t have the biggest, deepest squad. We have Frank Onyeka, Matt Grimes, Josh Eccles and Victor Torp. Maybe, at a push, Torp might be a bit aggrieved. He has struggled to find his way back into the team after a brilliant first half of the season before he was injured.

“But, he is still an important player, I just don’t see him being key to us in the Premier League. If Hamer was to come back, maybe Eccles or Torp would go out on loan. I’d be really sad to see Eccles go, most fans would as he is our only Coventry lad, but there’s no room for sentiment when you’re trying to stay up in the Premier League.”

Gus Hamer return would be a smart signing for Coventry City

Coventry need to add quality to their squad, but there’s a strong argument to be had that Hamer would get in their XI right now, even if the Sky Blues have been excellent.

Hamer has brilliant technical ability, and his eye for a pass would be ideally suited to the likes of Haji Wright and Ephron Mason-Clark in particular, as they are always looking to run in behind.

The only priority in the summer has to be adding players who will improve the squad, but it’s definitely an added bonus that Hamer knows all about the club, as well as having experience in the Premier League.

That will reduce any settling in period required, and it should ensure he is capable of hitting the ground running.

When you take into account Hamer’s contract situation, which means he will be able for a relatively cheap price, it’s certainly the sort of transfer you would expect Coventry to explore, and with Premier League football on offer, Hamer would surely jump at the chance to return to the Midlands.