Could Sheffield United Revisit Previously Named Target If They’re Forced to Sell Star | OneFootball

Sheffield United face another huge transfer window this summer, with their star attacking midfielder Gustavo Hamer attracting significant interest from Premier League clubs such as Everton and Leeds United.

Having been named the EFL Championship Player of the Season for 2024/25 with nine goals and seven assists, Hamer’s potential departure could leave a significant void in the Blades’ squad, particularly on the left wing where he has often been deployed.

With the Blades aiming for promotion back to the Premier League after bitterly falling at the final hurdle in the last few minutes of the Championship play-off final, finding a suitable replacement will be crucial if he does indeed depart.

One intriguing option is Stoke City’s dynamic winger, Million Manhoef, who was previously linked with Sheffield United in April 2025. Before I get into this article, it’s worth mentioning that when I say “replacement”, I don’t necessarily mean in terms of position, it’s more so as a replacement to fill the void of our lack of all-round threat in the final third if Hamer leaves.

Hamer’s ability to cut in from the left, create chances, and contribute defensively has been vital to Chris Wilder’s new 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2 system. His departure would leave a significant gap in creativity and goal-scoring threat.

Could Sheffield United Revisit Previous Target If They Sell Key Man?

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – APRIL 06: Mikey Johnston of West Bromwich Albion is challenged by Million Manhoef of Stoke City during the Sky Bet Championship match between Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion at Bet365 Stadium on April 06, 2024 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images)

United’s previous interest in Manhoef was likely an option for the Blades if they had got promoted to the Premier League. However, he could still be a target if United cash in on Hamer this summer, leaving them funds to sign a replacement such as the Stoke City man.

Manhoef quickly established himself as a key player for Stoke after joining the Potters in February 2024. The 2024/25 season was a breakout campaign for Manhoef where he showed his pace, direct dribbling and goal-scoring ability catching the eye of several clubs, including Sheffield United, Burnley, Celtic, KRC Genk, and Club Brugge, per EFL Analysis.

Manhoef primarily operates as a left-footed right winger but has the versatility to play on the left wing, where Hamer often featured for Sheffield United. The Dutch youth international netted five goals and five assists in 28 starts (six substitute appearances) in a campaign where Stoke were dangerously close to the relegation zone.

While Hamer is a central midfielder by trade, United have frequently deployed him on the left wing, where he uses his right foot to cut inside, create chances, and score goals. Manhoef, though traditionally a right winger, possesses attributes that align well with Hamer’s current role in United’s system. Like Hamer, he can also play as a number ten behind a striker.

My Opinion on Million Manhoef

In my preview for United’s penultimate regular season game against Stoke City, I wrote this about the Dutchman:

“Million Manhoef has probably been the best outfield player for the Potters, and if it wasn’t for his contributions of five goals and five assists, along with a bunch of highly impactful appearances, Stoke may well be even closer to the relegation zone.

The 23-year-old Dutchman is too good to be playing for a Stoke City team that just consistently underperforms every season since their relegation from the Premier League, and I would not at all be surprised if he leaves for an eye-watering fee (by the Championship’s standards) in the summer.

Manhoef, operating as an inverted right-winger for most of the season, has averaged two key passes (88th percentile), four shot-creating actions (88th percentile), five take-on attempts (91st percentile) with two of them being successful (84th percentile) per 90.

As his performance metrics suggest, he is very much an explosive and exciting action waiting to happen, so whoever plays at left-back for the Blades will have their work cut out.”

As I stated above, “I wouldn’t be surprised if he leaves for an eye-watering fee (by the Championship’s standards) in the summer.” We’re probably talking at least £10 million, hence why he is only a suggestion if United sell Hamer.

The dynamic on the right could also be interesting with Femi Seriki. A very tricky and pacey winger cutting inside onto his stronger left-foot, with the right-back Seriki bombing down the outside of him. This would likely be the most explosive right-flank in the entire league if this came to fruition.

Another interesting detail to note is that Tyrese Campbell and Manhoef linked up very well together when they both featured for Stoke towards the back end of the 2023/24 campaign. It was quite a similar combination to Campbell and Rhian Brewster, who also operated as a number 10 or as a right-winger for the Blades whenever Campbell was up front. And I believe it’s due to them both being fast and twitchy players, so they’re always on the same wavelength.

At this stage, this seems like a very unlikely signing but it could all change if Hamer leaves S2 for a hefty fee.

All stats taken from FBref.