At one point between 2024–2025, Sheffield United appeared to be assured of promotion to the Premier League despite their two-point deduction, but they are predicted to lose their star player Gustavo Hamer in the summer transfer window of 2025.
However, the Blades’ form dropped off at the end of the regular campaign, missing out on automatic promotion.
Sheffield United then lost to Sunderland in the play-off final last weekend, meaning they are once again stuck in the Championship for the upcoming campaign.
In a further blow, Gustavo Hamer could leave the club amid interest from several Premier League teams.
Hamer was Player of the Season in the second tier last term, and filling his boots will be no easy task, but we have picked out three potential options.
Three Gustavo Hamer replacements Sheffield United could sign
Jack Rudoni
We have already revealed this week that Sheffield United like Jack Rudoni and could turn to the Coventry City man to replace Hamer.
They are expected to face competition from the recently-relegated pair, Southampton and Leicester City, for the player, however.
Rudoni notched 10 goals and 13 assists in all competitions for the Sky Blues over the course of 2024/25.
In comparison, Hamer scored 10 and assisted eight in 46 matches.
Jan Schoppner
Jan Schoppner is currently on the books of German side FC Heidenheim, who recently avoided relegation from the Bundesliga by winning their play-off clashes.
The 25-year-old is an experienced, versatile midfielder who, like Hamer, chips in regularly with goal contributions.
Despite playing in Germany’s top division for a side who really struggled, Schoppner managed five goals and two assists over the course of 2024/25.
He is a natural central midfielder but can operate as a defensive midfielder and on the left-hand side.
Christian Eriksen
Perhaps an unrealistic shout, but it would be a big statement signing if the Blades could convince Christian Eriksen to join them.
The Dane is set to leave Manchester United for nothing this summer and would no doubt dominate in the Championship despite his advanced age.
He wouldn’t be a direct replacement for Hamer, but the goals and assists he could provide would certainly make up for that.
EFL Analysis understands Sheffield United could raid Coventry City once more this summer, with two more Championship clubs also interested in one of the Sky Blues’ stars.
Sheffield United suffered disappointment at the end of the 2024/25 campaign after coming so close to promotion.
The Blades were beaten in the Championship play-off final and are now resigned to another season in the second tier.
Sheffield United are in a ‘good place’ despite failing to reach the Premier League, but some big changes are expected at Bramall Lane this summer.
Most notably, Gustavo Hamer has transfer interest from top-flight clubs, with EFL Analysis revealing interest from Fulham and Brentford this week.
Sheffield United could raid Coventry City to replace Gustavo Hamer
Hamer joined the Yorkshire outfit in the summer of 2023 from fellow 2024/25 Championship play-off participants, Coventry City.
Now, we have learned that Sheff Utd could once again return to the Sky Blues to replace their star man should he leave.
EFL Analysis understands that Sheffield United could raid Coventry City again to replace Hamer – with Jack Rudoni a player they like.
We understand that Coventry will face a battle to hang onto Rudoni this summer.
We can reveal that relegated Southampton and Leicester are also both keen on Rudoni and are keeping close tabs on his situation.
Jack Rudoni stats vs Gustavo Hamer
Hamer won the Championship Player of the Season award in 2024/25 after netting nine and assisting seven in the regular campaign.
He scored 10 and assisted eight in all competitions, with Rudoni posting similar numbers for Frank Lampard’s team.
The 23-year-old managed nine goals and 12 assists in 43 league appearances, scoring 10 and assisting 13 in all competitions.
