Sheffield United Should Consider These Exciting Options If Star Player Leaves This Summer – Opinion | OneFootball

Turkish side Trabzonspor remain keen on signing Gustavo Hamer from Sheffield United ahead of the summer transfer window, according to fresh reports from Turkey.

A report by Kuzey Ekspres claims that the Super Lig outfit are planning to “sit down” with the Blades at the end of the season to explore a potential deal for the 28-year-old. With just over a year remaining on his contract at Bramall Lane, this summer could represent a key decision point for both player and club.

However, negotiations may not be straightforward. The same report suggests a deal could cost in the region of €20 million (around £17.2 million), a figure that would significantly exceed Trabzonspor’s previous £6 million bid. Whether the Turkish club are prepared to bridge that gap remains to be seen, particularly given Hamer’s importance to Sheffield United’s midfield.

The Dutch-Brazilian has been a standout performer this season, registering 10 assists and two goals in 30 appearances. His creative output, ability to progress the ball, and set-piece quality make him one of the Blades’ most influential players. As such, any departure would leave a sizable gap in the squad, one the club must be prepared to fill.

Sheffield United Should Consider Ibrahim Osman As Hamer Replacement

Sheffield United could consider is Ibrahim Osman

The 21-year-old is a player I wrote a player suggestion piece on last summer. Having watched a few of his games last season, it’s clear to see what his strengths are. He is very fast as well as powerful in full stride. He can play on the left flank where he cuts inside, or he can play on the right as an old-fashioned winger where he beats his man on the outside and then either drives into the box and cuts it back, or fires a cross in, which is something we hugely lacked last season from open-play.

Compared to attacking midfielders and wingers in the Eredivisie last season, he ranked in the 93rd percentile for progressive carries, 98th percentile for carries into the penalty area, 99th percentile for take-on attempts and 87th percentile for successful take-ons.

Osman’s profile is that of a direct dribbler, an athletic wide player who thrives in transition-heavy systems.

This term, at Birmingham, he’s stood out for:

Dribbling volume: Osman consistently ranks highly for successful dribbles per game, showing strong 1v1 ability and close control at pace. He averages over 1.5 successful dribbles per game.

Chance creation: While still developing his final product, Osman produces a steady stream of key passes and cut-backs from wide areas. He’s averaged almost one chances created per game.

Defensive work rate: His pressing intensity and recoveries align well with United’s current high-energy system which has seen players like Andre Brooks thrive in this season.

Stylistically, Osman differs from Hamer. While Hamer operates more centrally as a creative hub, dictating tempo and delivering from deeper zones, Osman is more of a threat from wide areas. However, Sheffield United wouldn’t have to change their attacking structure much with Osman still being more of an inverted player similar to Hamer. Despite being completely different players, Osman could help replace Hamer’s output particularly in transitions and chance creation from one-vs-one situations down the flanks.

Tyreece Campbell to the Blades?

Another interesting option Sheffield United could consider is Tyreece Campbell of Charlton Athletic.

Campbell is an emerging wide talent who offers a different profile compared to Hamer.

His game is built around:

Explosive pace and direct running: He thrives in one-vs-one situations and looks to attack full-backs aggressively, stretching defensive lines. He averages 1.3 successful dribbles per game and an impressive 53% success rate.

Ball-carrying ability: Campbell is effective at progressing the ball upfield using his burst of acceleration, particularly in transition phases.

Work rate and pressing: He contributes defensively, tracking back, again, similar to United’s current system. He averages over three ball recoveries per game and over two defensive contributions.

One thing he needs to work on though is developing his end product; while not yet as consistent in front of goal or with final passes, his underlying attacking intent is clear. He currently has three goals and two assists in 39 appearances.

At 22, Campbell would represent more of a developmental signing compared to a ready-made option, but one with significant upside. In a system that encourages transitions and gives him space to attack, he could grow into a dangerous Championship-level winger, thus offering Sheffield United a cost-effective replacement option if Hamer departs.

With interest from Trabzonspor intensifying and Hamer entering the final year of his deal, Sheffield United face a crucial summer. If they decide to cash in, reinvesting smartly will be key.

Stats taken from Fotmob and FBref.