Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder said he expected Gustavo ‘Gus’ Hamer to return to Coventry City, describing the prospective move as effectively certain. Speaking after the Blades’ match at Mansfield Town, Wilder said Coventry were the only club to make an approach and acknowledged that United needed to prepare for life without the 29-year-old midfielder. He said the club did not want Hamer to run down his contract and that a replacement of high quality would be required.

Hamer joined Sheffield United from Coventry in 2023 and recorded 22 goals and 29 assists in 123 appearances in all competitions. He had previously spent three years with Coventry, where he made 132 appearances and was named the club’s player of the year for 2021-22. The expected transfer was completed the following day: Coventry confirmed Hamer’s return on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee, giving the player a return to a club newly promoted to the Premier League.