Chris Wilder Reveals Frank Lampard’s Desire to Bring Gus Hamer Back to Coventry City
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has lifted the lid on Coventry City’s pursuit of Gus Hamer, revealing that Sky Blues boss Frank Lampard is eager to reunite with the influential midfielder at the CBS Arena.
Hamer arrived in English football when he joined Coventry from Dutch outfit PEC Zwolle in the summer of 2020. During a highly successful three-year spell with the Sky Blues, he established himself as a fan favourite, registering 17 goals and 25 assists in 129 appearances.
The 29-year-old moved to Sheffield United in 2023 in a deal worth around £15 million following the Blades’ promotion to the Premier League. Despite the club’s mixed fortunes since then, Hamer has remained one of their standout performers, contributing 21 goals and 26 assists across 120 appearances.
After Sheffield United’s disappointing 13th-place Championship finish last season, Hamer once again proved his importance, recording seven goals and 12 assists in 39 matches.
Coventry Submit Offer for Hamer
Having already seen winger Andre Brooks leave for Norwich City this summer, Sheffield United could now face the prospect of losing another key player before the transfer window closes.
Hamer has entered the final year of his contract at Bramall Lane, and while Wilder has repeatedly expressed his desire to keep him, talks over a contract extension have yet to make meaningful progress.
Fresh from securing promotion to the Premier League as Championship winners, Coventry have emerged as strong contenders for Hamer’s signature. Wilder has now confirmed that the Sky Blues have formally submitted an offer, with Sheffield United’s hierarchy currently assessing the proposal.
The Blades are determined to secure an acceptable fee if they decide to sanction a sale, particularly as they are wary of the possibility of losing the midfielder for nothing when his contract expires next summer.
Wilder Opens Up on Lampard’s Interest
Although Hamer left Coventry before Lampard’s appointment as manager, Wilder has disclosed that the former Chelsea boss is a huge admirer of the midfielder and has personally been in contact with him.
Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield, Wilder said:
“To be completely open, and I’m not putting Gus in a difficult position, he’s ambitious. One of his former clubs has made an offer. The owner rates him highly, the manager has been speaking with him this week and is a big admirer, and the supporters already think very highly of him.
“There’s the possibility of a substantial pay rise, a longer contract, and a move to a club where he is hugely valued.
“Does he want to stay here?
“If he did, we would have been involved in contract discussions by now, and that hasn’t happened.”
Wilder’s comments suggest Coventry’s interest is serious and that Lampard is playing an active role in the club’s attempt to lure Hamer back. With contract talks at Sheffield United stalled and the midfielder entering the final year of his deal, Coventry may sense a major opportunity to secure the return of one of the most influential players in their recent history.
