Sheffield United sign Liverpool’s Rhian Brewster for £23.5m

Sheffield United have broken their transfer record after signing the striker Rhian Brewster from Liverpool in a £23.5m deal. The 20-year-old has signed a five-year deal at Bramall Lane.

As part of the deal Liverpool have negotiated a 15% sell-on clause and a buy-back option that will be active for the next three seasons.

Brewster scored 11 goals in 22 appearances on loan at Swansea after joining the Championship club in January. He played only four times in cup competitions for Jürgen Klopp’s side, his last appearance coming in the Community Shield against Arsenal at the end of August, with his missed penalty in the shootout giving Arsenal victory.

Although highly rated at Anfield his pathway to the first team has been hindered by the front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané playing virtually every week and Divock Origi and the new signing Diogo Jota being ahead of him in the pecking order.

Sheffield United have not scored in their three Premier League matches this season but Brewster will not be available to play against Arsenal on Sunday.

The United manager, Christ Wilder, told the club’s website: “At the top of the pitch we have one of the country’s hottest properties from Liverpool and for him to sign permanent here is fantastic for everyone concerned. There has been a lot of interest in him over the summer, a lot of speculation about who we were going for, but he has been our No 1 target and I am delighted to have secured his services.

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“If you look at the signings we have made throughout the summer, it bodes well for the future of the football club. He’s a talent, as are a lot of the younger players we have brought in, whether that’s Oli Burke, Max Lowe, Jayden Bogle or Aaron Ramsdale, they are the profiles of the players we wanted to bring in during the summer, and we’re delighted we have done it.

“He’s a natural goalscorer. He finishes from any aspect, whether it is in the air or whether it’s spectacular goals, free-kicks or off his shin – he has a lovely habit of scoring goals, which is crucial in the Premier League.”

Brewster said: “There were a few teams who came in but right now Sheffield United is the best option for me. Looking at the club, it is on the rise, finishing ninth last year and hopefully it can be better this season. Maybe I can add some goals, I’ll work hard and try and help the team to a higher place this year.”