Number 24 finally filled!
Press release:
https://www.sufc.co.uk/news/2020/october/rhian-brewster-signs/
Rhian Brewster is a Blade.
United have again smashed the club's record transfer fee to secure the services of the sought-after striker, patiently fighting off competition from Premier League rivals in the process.
Brewster has penned a five-year deal at Bramall Lane, with United agreeing a substantial, undisclosed fee with Liverpool for the services of the England U21 international and it's a piece of business that has left Chris Wilder delighted.
The boss remarked: "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 number one target and I am delighted to have secured his services.
"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."
The 20-year-old marksman is also happy to have committed his long-term future to United: "It feels good to be here and I just can't wait to get started to be honest. 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.
"It was good for me (last season at Swansea). I felt I needed game time, and I scored 11 goals in 22 which was great for me. I am not going to dwell on that though, this is a new season, and I want to come in here and show what I can do, and score goals for Sheffield United.
"I am ready to come in and show everyone what I've got. It is a team that creates a lot of chances, the three at the back, overlapping, they get crosses into the box and that's my game - being in the box, finding space and one and two touch finishes. That's what I am going to try and do, and try and score goals for Sheffield United."
Of the finer details of the deal to bring Brewster to Bramall Lane, chief executive, Stephen Bettis, explained: "From an attacking perspective, Rhian has been the management team's top target throughout the off season and the board is delighted to be able to deliver. It has taken time, the level of outlay is unprecedented at Bramall Lane but we've finally got our man.
"Rhian fits in with the philosophy of the club signing young, hungry prospects that is giving us a good foundation for the future, strengthening the areas Chris and the recruitment team highlighted. The fact that we are doing business with the Premier League champions over one of their hottest prospects is a sign of how far we have progressed in a relatively short space of time.
"He is the seventh signing of the summer which emphasises the support Chris and the management team have had from the owner and the board.
"The signings and the increased contracts for a number of individuals, combined with the fact that we have held off advances for our players, signify significant investment in the team, within the region of £120m net transfer spending since our return to the Premier League."
Brewster joined Chelsea at the age of just seven following interest from a number of clubs in the capital and spent seven years at Stamford Bridge before moving to Liverpool in 2015.
The forward hit the ground running for the Reds, scoring on his debut for the U23s against Ipswich Town. In October 2016, Brewster caught the eye of Jurgen Klopp and was promoted to the first team, making the Reds' matchday squad for the first time for the Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace in April 2017.
In June 2018, the Chadwell Heath-born striker penned a five-year professional contract at Anfield and was an unused substitute in the semi-final second-leg and final of final Liverpool's Champions League success, collecting a winner's medal following the 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in Madrid.
Last term, Brewster made three cup appearances for the Reds, before joining Swansea City in early January. And it was during his time at the Liberty Stadium that his form really caught the eye, as he netted 11 times in 22 appearances for the Swans, including a goal in the second-leg of the play-offs against Brentford.