Leeds United ‘very keen’ on Gustavo Hamer from Coventry City as BBC pundit issues ‘priority’ transfer verdict after Cardiff City draw
Leeds United are “very keen” on Coventry’s Gustavo Hamer but would be “unwilling” to pay £12million for him, according to Carlton Palmer.
The BBC pundit told Football League World (7 August) that the Sky Blues would surely rather sell the Brazilian midfielder now than lose him for free next summer, but while he would be a “very useful” signing at Elland Road the asking price would be too high when he’ll cost nothing in a year.
And after the Whites opened their Championship season by fighting back to rescue a draw from 2-0 down against Cardiff on Sunday Palmer believes centre-back is where money needs to be spent first instead.
The former Whites midfielder said: “Coventry have put a valuation of £12m on their talented midfielder Gus Hamer.
“Hamer is 26 and is out of contract next summer, Coventry have offered him a new deal but up until now he’s refused to sign it. Assuming he does not sign, then surely Coventry would sell him this summer rather than allow him to leave on a free.
“Leeds are very keen on the player but I’m sure would be unwilling to pay £12m for a player who will be available on a free next summer.
“He would be a very useful addition to Leeds’ squad for sure in their quest for promotion, but on the defensive showing against Cardiff this weekend, a central defender would be a priority for me.”
Work to be done
Palmer’s not wrong that central defence needs attention above all, with Liam Cooper’s ankle injury only exacerbating what looks like a weakness once more.
Leeds United appear to have upped their efforts to add a new option at that position following the 2-2 at Elland Road, but a midfielder isn’t far from being badly needed as well.
Tyler Adams now looks to be on his way to Chelsea after the Blues entered talks to sign him, with just 22-year-old summer signing from Stamford Bridge Ethan Ampadu plus teenagers Archie Gray and Darko Gyabi available otherwise.
It would certainly be a lot of money for a Championship side to shell out £12m on a man with only a year left on his deal, with Hamer, 26, apparently ignoring his contract offer at Coventry amid the transfer interest from Elland Road.
But if Adams ends up at Stamford Bridge for his £20m release clause or more it should free the Whites up to sign a replacement, and they could do a lot worse than Hamer based on his output last season.
He made it all the way to the Play-Off final with Coventry last season, contributing 11 goals and 10 assists along the way, and has already laid on another strike in his first appearance this year.
That quality is what apparently made Leeds line him up as their “marquee” signing this summer before their budget was restricted by loan exits, so while it would be expensive it could be a crucial move if it does get done.
In other Leeds United news, Daniel Farke issued his latest transfer verdict after watching his side rescue a last minute draw in his first game in charge.