Leeds United will hope £13m Blades transfer miss doesn't haunt them on Friday 18th October | OneFootball

The Whites will go up against one of their summer transfer window targets next time out

It would be no surprise if this international break felt even longer than most for those of a Leeds United persuasion.

By now, it is hard to imagine that any football fans has not seen or heard of Illan Meslier's howler that cost the Whites two points against Sunderland at The Stadium of Light on Friday night.

That is something those around Elland Road will now have two weeks to reflect on, and it is not just the dropped points that will be frustrating.

With the Black Cats currently sat at the top of the Championship table, victory over them away from home would have been a major statement from Leeds in the promotion race.

Once they do return to action after the international break though, they will at least not have to wait long to put down another marker to the rest of the division.

Leeds set for another promotion test

After the international break, the next match for Daniel Farke's side comes on Friday 18th October, when they host Sheffield United at Elland Road.

Despite being deducted two points before the start of the campaign, it has been an excellent start to the season for the Blades.

Chris Wilder's side are the only unbeaten side left in the division, and sit level on points with Sunderland at the top of the table.

Claiming the scalp of Sheffield United would therefore prove that Leeds are indeed still competitive against the very best in the division.

Indeed, victory for the Whites would see them move level on points with the in the standings, for a brief period at the very least.

However, Sheffield United's own form means this will not be an easy task for Leeds, who will arguably have one particular moment from the summer transfer window to worry about on Friday.

Gus Hamer could have been on opposite sides on October 18th

Back in the summer, the Whites were under pressure to strengthen their squad, after missing out on promotion to the Premier League following defeat in last season's play-off final.

One of those who they attempted to do that with, was Sheffield United attacking midfielder Gustavo Hamer.

Having signed for the Blades from Coventry City in the summer of 2023, he had produced some impressive moments in the Premier League last season, despite the club's dismal relegation.

That seemingly caught the attention of those at Elland Road, with it being reported late in the window that Leeds failed with a £13million bid for Hamer.

In the end though, the 27-year-old instead remaining at Bramall Lane beyond the summer transfer deadline.

Keeping Hamer has certainly paid off for Sheffield United at the start of this season, with the attacking midfielder already scoring four goals and providing one assist in nine league games.

Consequently, he will surely be one of the Blades' big threats in this Yorkshire derby on October 18th, which will be a concern for Leeds.

If Hamer is able to make another positive impact in this game, as it seems could certainly be the case, it will be frustrating for the Whites for more than one reason.

Not only could it cost them points against a likely promotion rival, it would also serve as a reminder of what Leeds missed out on.

That in turn, will give them a sense of what might have been had Hamer been on the other side, which could make all the difference in a game like this.

If the 27-year-old does indeed perform well, and helps his side to a result, it could also raise further questions about why the Elland Road hierarchy did not do more to sign him in the summer.

With all that in mind, it does therefore seem as though Hamer is one player Leeds will have to keep a particularly close eye on when they face Sheffield United next time round.