Leeds United linked to Oldham’s Tom Hamer

The transfer window for Leeds United has not been kind so far, with the club failing to land any permanent transfers, despite a number of high-profile rumours in the press. Former Hull City striker Abel Hernandez has been mentioned a number of times since May, and Derby County’s Matej Vydra was said to be all but done as recently as last week, but neither player has made their way to Elland Road.

Oldham Athletic’s in-demand right back Tom Hamer is the latest teenager linked with a possible switch to Leeds United. The teenager is reportedly a sought-after prospect who has attracted the attention of a few different clubs.

Under Victor Orta, Leeds brought in a number of young players from Spain and from Spanish clubs, and while a number of them have looked good playing for the U23s, very few of them have made any sort of impact on the senior team. And while some English based teenagers have been signed, including striker Ryan Edmondson from York City and Sam Dalby, who scored in last week’s friendly at Bootham Crescent, from Leyton Orient, they haven’t really made an impact as well.

Hamer only made seven senior appearances for Oldham in League One last season, but he did score a goal and add an assist. This signing would definitely be one for the future, unles Hamer is able to make an immediate impact on the side.

Leeds are reportedly competing with three Premier League teams for Hamer, Everton, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Burnley. All of them will have more money to spend than Leeds, but they also have more crowded rosters and perhaps Hamer, if Leeds really are interested in signing him, could be convinced to sign for a team with a clearer route to first-team football. However, if it comes down to money, Leeds will not be able to compete.

Another young player for the U23s or the fringes of the first team is not what Leeds need right now, so even if Hamer does end up at Leeds, don’t get too excited. Leeds need some proven players to help play the way that Marcelo Bielsa wants this team to play and to get results in this division. Teenage prospects are good and all, but one with seven first-team league appearances, in the words of Shania Twain, don’t impress me much.