Exclusive: What Lee Hendrie has said on Gus Hamer's links to Leeds United & Everton - one move would be a "red flag" | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie believes Gustavo Hamer's choice between Everton and Leeds United should be a straightforward one

Sheffield United midfielder Gustavo Hamer enjoyed a sensational 2024/25 campaign and has attracted the attention of multiple potential suitors.

The 27-year-old was named Championship Player of the Year, scoring 10 goals and registering eight assists in a Blades’ side that were denied promotion via the play-offs by Sunderland.

According to talkSPORT, Hamer is likely to join a Premier League club in the summer, with names such as Everton and Leeds United touted to battle it out for the midfielder’s signature.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit and former Aston Villa midfielder, Lee Hendrie, believes Hamer’s choice should be quite straightforward between the two clubs competing for his services.

Lee Hendrie weighs in on Gustavo Hamer’s transfer decision

“I think what Moyes has done at Everton has been quite phenomenal,” stated Hendrie.

“With Everton being more established as a Premier League side, I think they would be the more tempting move. But Leeds has all that potential and are such a big football club.

“You're talking about two big football clubs that have got such a good support.

“With Everton, surviving this season and having a good, strong finish to the campaign, you do feel that after moving into their new stadium, they would probably be the firmer club that I would be looking to go to.

“We've seen the teams coming up out of the Championship not being able to survive and getting relegated straight back down, which would always be a bit of a red flag in my eyes.

“Even though I feel that Leeds will have a big push next season, Everton would be my choice.”

Gustavo Hamer will have to choose his next destination wisely if he leaves Sheffield United

If the 27-year-old is keen on departing Bramall Lane this summer, long-term ambition has to be at the forefront of his plans.

Clearly, at this stage of his career, Hamer believes he should be playing regular Premier League football and has made his stance clear to the Blades.

Therefore, when choosing his next club, he must consider the lasting impact his decision will have.

Recent history has shown that it’s becoming increasingly tough for promoted teams to retain their Premier League status, a trend that is likely to continue next season.

Although Leeds United have the footballing prestige to establish themselves once more as top-flight regulars, it won’t be easy for Daniel Farke’s side next term.

As a result, Hamer may opt to join Everton if his wish is to remain in the Premier League for years to come.

The Toffees have never suffered relegation from the top-flight in its current format, which would bode well for Hamer’s long-term ambitions.

If the Dutchman joined Leeds, and the Whites found themselves relegated next term, Hamer would be in this exact same situation 12 months down the road, which would render the move a failure.

In this battle for Hamer’s signature, Everton’s top-flight pedigree may pay dividends.