Leeds offered chance to sign “outrageous” £15m gem, he’d be even better than Buonanotte
After starting their Premier League campaign with a spirited victory over Everton at Elland Road, optimism swept through Leeds United supporters who believed Daniel Farke’s side were ready to turn a corner. For a brief moment, there was a sense that the Whites could enjoy a far brighter season than many had predicted. However, that early optimism has quickly faded, as reality has struck hard in the weeks that followed.
A humbling 5-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium brought Leeds crashing back to earth. The gulf in class was on full display, exposing defensive frailties and raising fresh concerns about whether Farke’s men possess the quality to survive a grueling Premier League campaign. To make matters worse, the Whites then suffered an early Carabao Cup exit at Hillsborough, bowing out against a youthful Sheffield Wednesday side in what was a bitterly disappointing evening.
The defeat also marked the debut of summer signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who was handed an opportunity to make an immediate impact in Yorkshire. Unfortunately, it was a night to forget for the 28-year-old striker. Coming off the bench, he squandered three golden opportunities to find the net before missing from the spot in the decisive penalty shootout. His effort sailed over the crossbar, sealing Leeds’ elimination and leaving the former Everton man desperate to bounce back quickly.
Leeds, however, know they cannot rely on Calvert-Lewin alone. His arrival on a free transfer earlier this summer was seen as a gamble, with his injury record a major talking point among fans and pundits alike. He missed 15 matches last season due to recurring fitness issues, and while his career tally of 57 Premier League goals shows his quality, there are lingering doubts about whether he can shoulder the burden of leading the line throughout an entire campaign.
That is why the final days of the transfer window are so crucial for Leeds. Farke and the recruitment team remain active in the market, eager to bring in attacking reinforcements who can both support Calvert-Lewin and increase competition for places. Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte was strongly linked with a loan move, but a deal has since collapsed, with Chelsea now poised to swoop in and secure the Argentine midfielder before the deadline.
This setback has pushed Leeds to explore other options, and one name high on their radar is Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer. According to journalist Joe Donnohue, the Blades are willing to consider offers for the Dutch-born midfielder, with a potential loan deal including a £15 million option to buy being discussed. Hamer himself is not believed to be actively pushing for a move away from Bramall Lane, but the lure of a Premier League return could be persuasive in the final days of the window.
Hamer’s potential arrival could be transformative for Leeds. Known for his technical ability and creative spark, he is capable of unlocking defenses and providing the kind of service that a forward like Calvert-Lewin thrives upon. His range of passing and confidence in possession would add another dimension to Leeds’ midfield, particularly in games where the Whites struggle to break teams down.
Statistically, Hamer already outperformed Buonanotte last season in several key areas. He registered more combined goals and assists, underlining his direct influence in the final third. His creativity shone through with a higher volume of progressive passes and key passes per 90 minutes, a metric that suggests he could be the perfect foil for Calvert-Lewin’s aerial dominance. With the striker averaging 4.8 aerial duels won per 90 last season, and Hamer completing 4.1 crosses per game, the two could form a dangerous partnership.
Hamer’s attacking output is further highlighted by his 4.5 shot-creating actions per match, while his 43% dribble success rate proves he can carry the ball into threatening areas before either attempting a shot himself or setting up a teammate. These qualities have earned him praise from analysts, with one describing his ability in possession as “outrageous.”
For Farke, a deal for Hamer would tick several boxes. It would compensate for the disappointment of missing out on Buonanotte, provide creativity in an area of the pitch where Leeds are currently lacking, and crucially, ease the pressure on Calvert-Lewin by ensuring he receives the service needed to rediscover his scoring touch.
If Leeds can get the transfer over the line, Hamer would not only strengthen their chances of Premier League survival but also help their marquee summer signing settle into life at Elland Road. Replicating his impressive numbers from last season could see him become an influential figure in Farke’s side, while also giving Calvert-Lewin the platform to reignite his career and win over the Leeds faithful.
In short, Hamer represents more than just another transfer target—he could be the key to unlocking the best version of Calvert-Lewin and ensuring Leeds maintain their Premier League status.