Sheffield United are in talks to extend Rhian Brewster’s contract, with manager Chris Wilder affirming the striker has a future at the club despite his struggles with injuries and form.
Brewster’s current five-year deal expires this summer, but the Blades are keen to secure his long-term stay.
The 24-year-old arrived from Liverpool in October 2020 for a club record fee of £21.5 million, however, his four-and-a-half-years in South Yorkshire have been plagued by injuries and poor form.
This season he has managed just two goals and two assists for the Blades in 25 games.
Speaking ahead of Sheffield United’s upcoming match against Middlesbrough, Wilder reiterated his belief that the club has yet to see the best of Brewster.
“I’m a big fan … I’ve talked about that before, but he’s having a run of games and being fit and healthy. He’s part of a front group which I’m delighted to have,” Wilder told the Sheffield Star.
“We have real options now. Rhian starting and coming off the bench is a fabulous one, and I’d love him to get that deal sorted out. His agent is talking to the club, and hopefully, we can come to some sort of agreement and arrangement.”
Brewster before Sheffield United
Brewster began his youth career at Chelsea before moving to Liverpool’s academy at 14, following a recommendation from former youth coach Michael Beale.
The striker then rose through the ranks at the Liverpool academy and was even named by Jürgen Klopp on the bench for the infamous Champions League comeback against Barcelona in 2019. He was also on the bench for the Champions League final in Madrid and so qualified for a winner’s medal.
A loan move to Swansea in January 2020 saw him get first team football for the first time and he scored 11 goals in 22 appearances and impressed enough that Sheffield United would make him their record signing that October.
However, Brewster’s time at Bramall Lane has been marred by injuries. Since joining, he has missed 99 games due to a recurring hamstring problem and a thigh issue, disrupting his ability to build form and confidence.
This season, he has at least found more regular minutes, often coming off the bench, and he scored his first goal in two years in Sheffield United’s 1-0 win over Millwall this December.
With Wilder’s backing and a potential contract extension on the table, Brewster now has the opportunity for a fresh start and a chance to prove why he was once seen as one of England’s brightest young talents.