Worth more than Hamer: Sunderland have struck gold with “sensational” star
Will Regis Le Bris Cement His Legacy at Sunderland with Wembley Glory?
Regis Le Bris has the chance to carve his name into Sunderland folklore if he can guide the club back to the Premier League after an eight-year absence.
Standing in his way, however, is Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United – a side determined to spoil the party in the Championship play-off final at Wembley.
The Blades were serious contenders for automatic promotion before faltering late in the season, and they now arrive in London after a dominant 6-0 aggregate win over Bristol City in the semi-finals.
Sunderland will need to be at their very best to handle the attacking threat United pose.
How Sunderland Can Stop the Blades
Sheffield United’s firepower is formidable. Callum O’Hare, with two goals in the semi-final, and Harrison Burrows, who chipped in with a goal and three assists from left-back, will be key threats.
Le Bris will be hoping his side can nullify their impact while relying on striker Wilson Isidor to find the net.
Goalkeeper Michael Cooper will also play a crucial role, having added two more clean sheets to his impressive tally of 21 during the regular season.
Then there’s Gustavo Hamer — the driving force in United’s midfield. The Championship Player of the Season has notched ten goals and seven assists in 47 appearances, cementing his status as one of the league’s standout performers.
Sunderland’s Own Star Power
Despite Hamer’s brilliance, Sunderland have their own rising star in Jobe Bellingham.
The 19-year-old midfielder has already drawn interest from top European clubs, including Eintracht Frankfurt, and is seen as one of English football’s brightest young talents.
Under Le Bris, Bellingham has contributed four goals and three assists and is now reportedly valued at £22 million — significantly more than Hamer’s £13 million valuation, per Football Transfers.
Originally signed for just £3 million, his soaring value reflects both his potential and his performances this season.
Young Chris Rigg, only 17, has also caught the eye of Premier League giants like Manchester United, further highlighting the strength of Sunderland’s emerging core.
Wembley Showdown: The Deciding Stage
The Championship play-off final won’t just decide which team goes up — it could also determine the futures of both squads’ top talents.
For Sunderland, promotion might be the only way to keep hold of stars like Bellingham. For Sheffield United, failure to secure top-flight football could lead to key departures as well.
But before any transfers are finalised, all eyes will turn to Wembley, where two of the league’s standout midfielders — Hamer and Bellingham — will go head-to-head.
Only one will earn the ultimate reward: promotion to the Premier League.
