Sheffield United set to lose 27-year-old star after play-off final heartbreak
Sheffield United are resigned to losing Gustavo Hamer after missing out on promotion, talkSPORT has said.
Sheffield United will still be feeling the stinging blow of missing out on promotion to the Premier League in heartbreaking circumstances. SUFC lost to Sunderland in the play-off final in the dying minutes.
The Blades took the lead through a deft Tyrese Campbell finish but the Black Cats fought back and emerged 2-1 victors thanks to fine finishes from Eliezer Mayenda and Tyrese Campbell.
The impact of missing out on an immediate rise from the Championship will quickly rear its ugly head, and one player who looks bound to leave Bramall Lane is Gustavo Hamer.
TalkSPORT reports that Sheffield United are expected to see Hamer move on from the club this summer after failing to promotion.
In fact, SUFC chiefs are already ‘resigned’ to his exit. At this moment in time, promotion winners Leeds United and Premier League side Everton are named as two clubs with interest.
The 27-year-old is under contract with the Blades until the summer of 2027, so they will likely still command a decent fee to part ways with the midfielder when the transfer window comes around.
An expected departure
Sheffield United will have quickly turned their thoughts to the impact of defeat after the play-off final, and potential player departures will have come to mind swiftly.
Of all the influential players at Bramall Lane, perhaps none are as key as Hamer. The Dutchman stood out at Championship level again over the 2024/25 season after perviously starring at Coventry City and his success in the Premier League affirmed he is truly a player capable of impressing at that level too.
He stayed put after relegation though and managed 10 goals and eight assists in 46 games. When withdrawn through injury in the final, the game turned against SUFC, further highlighting how crucial he is to the team.
A tough task ahead for Sheffield United
Sheffield United have a tricky summer ahead but perhaps nothing will be as challenging as replacing Hamer.
Whether SUFC feel they already have the players to make up for his loss, it remains to be seen. However, the wide expectation will be that the Blades look to recruit a similar midfielder who can do it all, be it starting out on the left flank or in a central role.
His exit will leave a big gap to fill, and there will be real intrigue over where he heads next after another fine individual campaign.
66 unbelievable photos of Sunderland fans and players celebrating Tommy Watson’s goal at Wembley – gallery
The scenes after Tommy Watson’s late winner for Sunderland against Sheffield United at Wembley will live long in the memory
Thousands of Sunderland fans turned Wembley Way into a sea of red and white ahead of the Championship play-off final against Sheffield United, creating a carnival atmosphere in the capital. Hours before kick-off, supporters packed the famous strip leading to the national stadium, chanting, singing, and waving flags in scenes that blended passion, pride, and hope!
2. Sunderland fans
Sunderland fans and players went mental when Tommy Watson scored against Sheffield United in the last minute at Wembley. Photo by Chris Fryatt. | Sunderland fans and players went mental when Tommy Watson scored against Sheffield United in the last minute at Wembley. Photo by Chris Fryatt.
3. Sunderland fans
Sunderland fans and players went mental when Tommy Watson scored against Sheffield United in the last minute at Wembley. Photo by Chris Fryatt. | Sunderland fans and players went mental when Tommy Watson scored against Sheffield United in the last minute at Wembley. Photo by Chris Fryatt.
4. Sunderland fans
Sunderland fans and players went mental when Tommy Watson scored against Sheffield United in the last minute at Wembley. Photo by Chris Fryatt. | Sunderland fans and players went mental when Tommy Watson scored against Sheffield United in the last minute at Wembley. Photo by Chris Fryatt.
Fabrizio Romano drops Jordan Henderson transfer update after Sunderland and Rangers links
Jordan Henderson is expected to make a decision on his future this month, with Premier League returnees Sunderland and Scottish giants Rangers both linked with his signature.
The 33-year-old, who is currently contracted to Dutch side Ajax, has an option to extend his stay in Amsterdam by a further year. However, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Henderson is attracting concrete interest from clubs in both the Premier League and Serie A following a strong finish to the 2024–25 campaign.
Meanwhile, speculation continues to grow over a potential emotional return to boyhood club Sunderland, who secured promotion back to the Premier League with a dramatic 2-1 win over Sheffield United in Saturday’s Championship play-off final at Wembley. Henderson was in the stands to witness the game, fueling rumours of a return to Wearside.
According to respected De Telegraaf journalist Mike Verweij, Sunderland are viewed as a genuine contender for Henderson’s signature. Speaking on the Kick-Off podcast, Verweij claimed both Sunderland and Rangers have a “good chance” of signing the midfielder.
