I just realised... the buyback protects us as well as liverpool, it means that a club with larger budget whose success could entice Rhian will be fended off from making an offer, so the only way he would be leaving is if he reaches that elite level which Liverpool require, and if that happens then it's bloody good news for us in the next 2-3 seasons.
Or let's say Rhian does well, picking up 10 goals a season or so and piques the interest of the Leicester, Arsenal and Everton's of the PL. This is the point where Liverpool will either buy him themselves, or turn down the chance, which leaves us open to negotiate a higher fee than £40m reported, all the scenarios are win for us... Rhian will be staying for the foreseeable, leaving us for the best club in england or leaving for a higher fee elsewhere.