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Leeds United’s new Premier League rivals Coventry City look to be bringing long-term 49ers target Gustavo Hamer to the division soon. The Whites have already made significant statements in the transfer window with the signigns of three serious starting XI additions. However, as we proved alongside Sunderland last season, you can’t just write off the promoted sides as relegation fodder. Coventry City close to signing long-term Leeds United target Gustavo Hamer Ever since the 49ers took over the club, Dutch midfielder Gustavo Hamer has been the subject of intense Elland Road speculation. Whether it’s his departure from Coventry City in 2023, or virtually every window since while at Sheffield United, Leeds have wanted Hamer a lot. Chris Wilder didn’t take too kindly to the Whites’ interest, and he’s stayed put, while the Blades struggle in the bottom half of the Championship. However, the 29-year-old looks set to make his return to the Premier League. But, it won’t be with Leeds, instead returning to the Sky Blues. That’s according to Alex Crook, who reports that a move is edging closer for Hamer to re-join Frank Lampard’s Coventry. Crook claims that the two clubs are still apart on valuations, but only by a “couple of million”, indicating it’s a matter of time. Assessing likelihood of Leeds United’s promoted rivals staying in the Premier League It seems like a cop-out to say that the team who won the Championship currently looks like the most likely to stay up next season. It’s certainly between them and Ipswich Town for that objective. I just cannot see Hull City bridging the absolute chasm in quality in their squad to the Premier League. Meanwhile, the two sides who claimed automatic promotion have a strong base in their squad to build from. Hamer isn’t a signing that makes any Premier League side turn their heads by any stretch. But, he adds experience and decent output from midfield, while also strengthening the mood in their camp, having re-signed Carl Rushworth too. That vibe (alongside actual quality) can go a long way in a successful survival challenge. Ipswich, though, are going about it much better than they were the first time. They’re not signing a Championship super-team, they’re going for physicality and intensity off the ball, which is what worked for us. I still think it’ll be tough for any of these three to stay up. But, it could be more competitive than the six who went down before our successful attempt.