Sheffield United’s miserable season continued on Wednesday evening, when they were defeated by a resurgent Southampton at St. Mary’s.

Leo Scienza scored the only goal of the game in Hampshire in the seventh minute, with back-to-back Championship defeats dropping the Blades to 17th after 27 games.

Chris Wilder’s side is only four points above the relegation zone, and the possibility of sliding into League For the first time since 2018, one has not vanished, despite a recent improvement in performance.

Meanwhile, speculations about Gustavo Hamer’s likely departure are becoming increasingly loud, with Trabzonspor apparently interested in the midfielder and his teammate Harrison Burrows. However, if he leaves, Sheffield United will need to find a successor.

Mikey Johnston has been touted as a possible successor for Gustavo Hamer at Sheffield United.

The Dutchman has been connected with a move away from Bramall Lane for over a year, with Leeds United attempting to sign him.

Jimmy from Blades Ramble, Football League World’s Sheffield United Fan Pundit, suggests Gus Hamer as a potential replacement for the 28-year-old, citing his performance in Southampton.But it seems like his time at Bramall Lane is nearing to an end. “If we cash in on him, I’d prefer a more legitimate left-wing option.”You have to consider budget as well, so I’m looking at someone like Mikey Johnston at West Brom, who I believe has always looked energetic. We were in for him before he moved to West Brom. I believe he would be excellent for providing us with some balance on that side, as well as having more of an out-and-out winger to take on his guy down the left side.”

Jimmy continued, “Hamer always cuts deep and gives you something really different. But I believe we’ve struggled to find a purposeful role for Gus on the squad, which seems silly given his potential. But, regrettably, wherever we’ve put him this season, he hasn’t performed well. So, if we were to sell Gus, I would go to someone like Mikey Johnston.

Mikey Johnston shone in a weak West Bromwich Albion team in 2025/26.

Mikey Johnston signed a permanent deal with West Bromwich Albion in the summer of 2024, following a standout loan spell with Celtic in the second half of the 2023/24 season. The Baggies paid a reputed £3 million for the winger, and he has been the standout player at The Hawthorns this season.

Albion have had a poor run in the Championship over the previous five months, and they are fighting to avoid relegation to League One. However, Johnston has performed admirably, scoring twice and assisting nine times.

The 26-year-old has been fantastic, and without his goal contributions, West Brom would struggle even more than they currently do, therefore it is critical that he does not leave this month.

Nonetheless, if Sheffield United sell Hamer during the January transfer window, the proceeds should be used to bring Johnston to Bramall Lane. With Patrick Bamford leading the line, the Republic of Ireland international would be a perfect wide man to provide the striker with the necessary support.