Sheffield United told to avoid Gus Hamer and Michael Cooper scenario - It'd be a "huge blow" | OneFootball

FLW’s Blades fan pundit has commented on which players Sheffield United can’t afford to lose this summer.

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk‘ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Sheffield United will be hoping to bounce back from their play-off final anguish under new boss Ruben Selles.

The Blades recently parted ways with Chris Wilder for a second time after losing at Wembley to Sunderland for a place in the Premier League, with the former Reading and Hull City coach taking charge to hopefully bring about a promotion push.

Expectations will be high as the club looks to bounce back to the top-flight at the second attempt, with plenty of teams showing in the past that it is possible after an original setback.

Sheffield United will be hopeful that they can keep the majority of their squad together to help push towards the top end of the second tier table and achieve that goal.

With this in mind, FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit has spoken about Blades players that he believes the Yorkshire outfit need to retain beyond the 1st September deadline.

Sheffield United told to keep hold of Michael Cooper and Gus Hamer

Speaking to Football League World, Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy (aka Blades Ramble) has admitted that Michael Cooper is their defensive “foundation” and must not be sold, while the club should also do all they can to keep hold of Gus Hamer, who could be “even more effective” in Ruben Selles’ system.

Jimmy said: “Michael Cooper is one. He is the absolute foundation of everything that we do defensively. He makes the defence more confident, he is the best goalkeeper in the Championship.

"We cannot sell Michael Cooper, and I don't think we will.

“The one that is more susceptible to being sold is Gus Hamer. I still don't think clubs will pay what we need for him but he is the best player in the Championship, as voted last season winning the EFL trophy for the best player in the Championship, and I think under Ruben Selles now playing in the middle, he could be even more effective, so to lose him would be a huge blow, and it's something that I think if we want to show the ambition of being a promotion chasing side, we can't afford to do that either.”

Sheffield United need to do all they can to retain Michael Cooper and Gus Hamer

With Michael Cooper, the former Plymouth Argyle keeper kept 21 clean sheets last season, commanding his box brilliantly and establishing himself firmly as one of the Championship’s top stoppers.

Despite top-flight interest emerging this summer, Cooper is entering the prime years of his professional career, and Sheffield United will believe that they can help him achieve his Premier League ambitions if he remains at Bramall Lane for the upcoming season.

Meanwhile, Gus Hamer will be a lot more difficult to keep hold of, but if the club can do it, then it could be prove to be game-changing for their campaign.

The playmaker registered 16 goals and assists combined last term - more than any other figure at Bramall Lane, with his composure and technical ability two key attributes which make him such an influential player at this level.

Selles will be very keen to build a side around the Dutchman to ensure they have another great opportunity to clinch promotion, with these last few weeks of the transfer window crucial to how their season will turn out under the Spaniard.