Sheffield United has rejected Coventry City’s opening approach for Gustavo Hamer, and while the Dutchman is interested in returning to the CBS Arena, Blades manager Chris Wilder expects him to continue giving his all for his current club.

The Blades begin their third consecutive Championship campaign next weekend at home against Birmingham City, looking to improve on their 13th-place finish last season.

Sheffield United have begun a second-tier campaign without Premier League parachute payments for the first time since their 2018/19 promotion season under Wilder, which means purses are a little tighter and there is a greater emphasis on earning funds through 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 might follow suit, especially as he is in the final year of his contract and could move to the top flight.

Chris Wilder replies to the recent Gustavo Hamer and Femi Seriki transfer proposals.

According to Sky Sports, Coventry rejected Hamer’s approach due to a value discrepancy.

The 29-year-old isn’t the only Sheffield United player attracting top-flight interest; Serie A club Sassuolo reportedly turned down a loan-to-buy bid for young right-back Femi Seriki.

Both players took part in Chris Wilder’s pre-season preparations, including a goalless draw against Bochum in Germany on Saturday, and the Blades manager wants them to stay focused on their careers at Bramall Lane as interested clubs fall short of their asking price.

“They are contracted to Sheffield United, first and foremost,” Wilder told the Sheffield Star. “When they’re not, then we’ll move on to other players.”They are under contract with Sheffield United, and I expect them to be completely committed. Give everything for the shirt. We are paying the salary; I have always stated that it is up to them. “If they care for the football, it will take care of them.”Currently, both players are totally dedicated to the football club. If something changes, it will alter as we move forward.”

Gustavo Hamer’s contract status may make a sale likely this summer at Sheffield United.

It’s often tough for a Championship team to keep their players away from interested Premier League clubs, especially if they already have a relationship with that top-flight club.

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

In this scenario, however, given his contract status, a move for the 29-year-old may appear more likely. The Dutchman’s four-year contract, signed when he moved to Bramall Lane, expires next summer, and the Blades are unlikely to want to lose him for free.

Gustavo Hamer’s Sheffield United statistics by season (all competitions).

Season

Appearances

Goals

Assists in 2023/24: 38, 5, 8, 2024/25: 46, 10, 8, 2025/26: 39, 7, and 12.

In recent seasons, Sander Berge, Iliman Ndiaye, and Anel Ahmedhodzic have all been cashing in ahead of the end of their contracts.

However, this does not imply that they are willing to lose him for less than his valuation. Given his talent, Sheffield United would certainly struggle to replace him with the cash constraints they face this summer if they accept a low-ball offer.

It is a risk for Chris Wilder’s team to lose him for free in June, but if it helps them win promotion this season, it will be worthwhile. Ultimately, all Coventry has to do is raise their offer, and the South Yorkshire side will not stand in the way of a deal.

How Sheffield United fans feel about Gustavo Hamer’s transfer

On Monday night, Coventry made their first attempt to bring Hamer back to the CBS Arena. Blades supporters were upset about the possibility of losing him, but at least they found solace in the fact that they weren’t prepared to accept any bid for him when it was revealed that Sheffield United were sticking to their valuation.

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

Another supporter commented, “It’s only a matter of time now, just hope we get a half decent deal rather than a bag of Quavers as usual,” while a fourth said, “If the sale enables the signing of Souttar and possibly helps with the signing of others, it wouldn’t be a disaster.” I can’t hold the boy responsible at all.”

In fact, it could not be long until Hamer says goodbye to Bramall Lane. Even though the Dutchman is in the last year of his contract, the Blades should still be able to get a respectable price for him, even though his worth may be slightly lower now than it was at this time last year due to his Championship Player of the Season performance.