Sheffield United sign Rhian Brewster for £23.5m as Spurs confirm Vinícius loan
Sheffield United have broken their transfer record after signing the striker Rhian Brewster from Liverpool in a £23.5m deal, with the 20-year-old signing a five-year deal at Bramall Lane. The transfer came as Tottenham also bolstered their attacking options with the season-long loan of Benfica striker Carlos Vinícius. The Portuguese club confirmed the loan fee as €3m (£2.7m) with an option to buy for €45m (£40.7m).
As part of the Brewster deal Liverpool have negotiated a 15% sell-on clause and a buy-back option from Sheffield United 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.
“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.”
Brazilian striker Vinícius will wear the No 45 shirt at Tottenham, having scored 24 goals and 13 assists in 46 appearances in all competitions for Benfica last season. He is expected to provide competition and cover for Harry Kane as a central striker.
“Together, we’ll taste success,” Vinícius said in a message to Spurs fans. “I’m here to join this family to share your joy and bring home silverware.”