Sheffield United's manager Chris Wilder has admitted his club must 'move on' from defender Gus Hamer, who is set to join Coventry City in a reported £6m deal. The 29-year-old was notably absent from the Sheffield United squad during their recent EFL Cup victory over Mansfield Town, signaling his impending departure.
Wilder expressed confidence that the transfer will be completed within the next few days: 'I do, 100 percent. That's Gus,' he said. 'So, we have to move on. Everybody, me, supporters, players. You know, he was a special player for us and he's a big player.'
The departure of Hamer is significant as Sheffield United now face the challenge of replacing their most talented player just weeks before the start of the new league season. Wilder highlighted that they need to find a replacement who can fill the void left by Hamer, noting that Callum O’Hare and Ryan One have played in that position but may not be ideal long-term solutions.
'Cal played out there last year when Gus didn't play for us,' said Wilder. 'And we had some really good performances and results. So, he will do, but I see him more central.'
Wilder also emphasized the importance of patience in securing loan signings: 'We have to be really patient for [good loans]. If we want good loans, we're going to have to be really patient. And clubs want players to go out on permanent deals.
'And when they know that they can't go out on permanent deals, then the loans become available,' he added. 'Not just for me, but I would say the majority of managers in the Championship League One and League Two.'
Despite the loss, Wilder remains optimistic about Sheffield United's future: 'The situation is, the loans, we have to be really patient for. And clubs want players to go out on permanent deals. And when they know that they can't go out on permanent deals, then the loans become available.
And I personally think that we're in a good place. We're maybe two or three players off being in a better place,' he concluded.
