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Coventry City may have to sell Gustavo Hamer amid contract issue as Leeds United eye transfer - BBC Pundit
Coventry City may have to “cash-in” on Gustavo Hamer if he doesn’t agree a contract extension amid transfer interest from Leeds United, according to Carlton Palmer.
The Brazilian midfielder only has a year left on his current deal with the Sky Blues and is wanted at Elland Road as the “marquee signing” of the summer [Football League World, 10 June].
That plan came under threat at the weekend as Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth reported on Sunday (9 July) Fulham had entered the running for the 26-year-old, who scored 11 and assisted 10 more as Coventry made it to the Play-Off final last season.
Palmer believes that although his current club would like to keep hold of him they may have their hand forced if they face the prospect of him leaving for free in a year’s time.
The BBC pundit told Football League World: “Fulham are said to be monitoring the situation of Coventry star midfielder Hamer. Coventry would like to keep hold of the talented player, with the departure of star striker [Viktor] Gyokeres imminent.
“However, the issue is Hamer is entering the final year of his contract. Should Hamer not commit to a new deal, Coventry can’t run the risk of him leaving the club for nothing next season.
“So they may well have to cash-in on him with several very interested parties, Leeds United being one of those.”
Exit-bound?
If Coventry have to sell it would remove one key barrier to the Whites picking up the man who they feel could be key for them next term.
With a potential exodus from the Elland Road midfield on the cards, unless Daniel Farke can convince Tyler Adams to stay or Adam Forshaw to return, Hamer would be a very welcome addition.
He was vital as the Sky Blues made it all the way before falling at the last hurdle last season, scoring in the final, and with Gyokeres’ goals set to be lost he may see his future being better off at Leeds.
But it is going to be difficult for Farke to sell Hamer on the promotion project if the Brazilian has a route direct into the top flight with Fulham, so much will now depend on whether the Cottagers’ interest crystallises into firm bids this summer.
Coventry would also likely prefer to see him go to a club who aren’t a direct rival if they have to lose him, so there are a number of blocks that need to fall the Whites’ way for this one to come off.
But for now they remain in the picture, and with a proven Championship-winner now brought in as manager and parachute payments to utilise once the wage bill has been suitably cleared they can’t be ruled out unless the top flight threat advances.
In other Leeds United news, the club are now after yet another Red Bull player this summer to replace a pair of possible senior exits.