Gus Hamer facing 'make-or-break' Sheffield United situation - January exit possible | OneFootball

Sheffield United are getting results without Gus Hamer, who faces an uncertain future at Bramall Lane going into the January window.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Sheffield United beat Stoke City 2-1 on Monday night, with Gustavo Hamer surprisingly spending the entire game watching on from the bench.

It’s not unusual for managers to rotate at this time of year, so Chris Wilder was always going to make changes after the Blades had lost to Wrexham just three days before their trip to the Midlands.

Hamer was one of those replaced in the XI, and he didn’t come on as Sheffield United recorded a crucial win against the Potters - and they put in a very assured performance to get the points.

Gus Hamer facing uncertain future as Sheffield United show they can cope without talisman

The manner of the victory naturally got Sheffield United fans talking about Hamer’s role at the moment, as it’s not the first time he started on the bench, whilst he missed a run of games through injury.

Despite his obvious quality, with Hamer named as Championship Player of the Year last season, there are some who believe that the Blades operate as a better team when the Dutchman isn’t involved.

FLW put that towards Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy from the Blades Ramble podcast, and even though he was quick to talk up Hamer’s natural talent, he understood that point of view, as he explained why the Yorkshire outfit are going to have to make a big decision on Hamer’s future very soon.

“There are some fans who feel we are a better team without Hamer, but that doesn’t bring into question his overall ability, as any team in the league takes Gus Hamer.

“But, he has to earn his way into the XI like everyone else, and we have to find a way to get him into the team that makes us better. So, until we get that blend right, then the players that are outperforming him currently should be the ones starting.

“As for whether we will sell him in January, I think every player is for sale. For the right price, we’d have to entertain offers for anybody, but the fact he is coming into the last 18 months of his contract is now make-or-break. He either signs a new contract at Sheffield United, or, in January or the summer, we’ll be looking to move him on.”

Sheffield United must make the right financial call with Gus Hamer

Ultimately, the contract situation means Sheffield United are in a difficult position with Hamer.

In an ideal world, he would sign an extension at Bramall Lane, and you would back Wilder to quickly find a role for him in the team that allows him to flourish.

The Blades may be performing well without him right now, but this is a small sample size, and, the reality is, as outlined above, that virtually every club in the Championship would love to have Hamer.

Yet, Hamer’s contract means his value is going to reduce substantially over the next few windows, so January might be the right time to cash in if a suitable offer is tabled.

Realistically, Sheffield United are not going to struggle to win promotion this season, and another year outside the top-flight will have financial implications, so Hamer’s sale may be needed to help Wilder bring in more of his own players.

A big January window awaits, and the club must do all they can to back Wilder as much as possible, even if that means making some tough decisions like selling Hamer.

The boyhood fan has already improved the team since his arrival, and he will now be keen on bringing in more of his own players as he looks to help Sheffield United to keep climbing the table.