Liverpool still hoping to convince Rhian Brewster to sign new deal despite interest from Germany
Bundesliga clubs hoping to sign the talented 18-year-old this summer
BY JAMES PEARCE12:01, 12 MAY 2018
JURGEN KLOPP ON LFC OFFERING SUPPORT FOR RHIAN BREWSTER FOLLOWING RACIST ABUSE CLAIM
Liverpool are still hoping to convince striker Rhian Brewster to spurn interest from the Bundesliga and commit his future to the club this summer.
The England youth international has turned down a number of offers from Liverpool to sign a professional contract and his representatives have been keen to explore a potential move to Germany.
Borussia Monchengladbach and RB Leipzig have both registered their interest in the 18-year-old frontman, who won the Golden Boot at last year’s Under-17 World Cup.
However, Liverpool haven’t given up the fight with Jurgen Klopp making it clear that he would be part of the first-team squad next season if he stays put.
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The ECHO understands that Liverpool have triggered the third year of Brewster’s Academy scholarship which means that no club is currently allowed to approach him. Anyone doing so at this stage will run the risk of being reported for tapping-up the youngster.
But Brewster could still opt to leave in the summer and Anfield officials understand the lure of the Bundesliga for an English player of his age.
He would be following in the footsteps of international team-mate Jadon Sancho, who snubbed a pro deal with Manchester City before signing for Borussia Dortmund last August. The 18-year-old has since made 11 league appearances for Dortmund.
Under FIFA rules, Liverpool would only be guaranteed a compensation payment of around £200,000 for Brewster if he went to Germany. However, such was the interest in Sancho that City negotiated a deal rising to £10million with Dortmund and the Reds value Brewster around the same level.
Brewster, who joined the Kirkby Academy from Chelsea in 2015, was first offered a heavily incentivised pro deal by the Reds when he turned 17 last year and once again following his 18th birthday last month.
Despite Liverpool’s frustration at the current stand-off, relations between all parties remain cordial. Brewster is highly regarded both as a player and a person by Klopp, Academy director Alex Inglethorpe, sporting director Michael Edwards and FSG president Mike Gordon.
As well as his blistering talent, they also admire the manner in which he has dealt with other issues such as the sickening racist abuse he’s been subjected to.
When Brewster’s season was cruelly ended by an ankle injury while playing for Liverpool Under-23s back in January, Klopp insisted that his rehab following surgery was overseen at Melwood rather than the Academy.
Brewster is expected to be fit by July and Klopp wants to give him opportunities to shine in the club’s pre-season friendlies, including the tour of America.
However, the growing fear is that Brewster’s head has been turned with Monchengladbach leading the chase of his signature.
Bundesliga clubs hoping to sign the talented 18-year-old this summer
BY JAMES PEARCE12:01, 12 MAY 2018
JURGEN KLOPP ON LFC OFFERING SUPPORT FOR RHIAN BREWSTER FOLLOWING RACIST ABUSE CLAIM
Liverpool are still hoping to convince striker Rhian Brewster to spurn interest from the Bundesliga and commit his future to the club this summer.
The England youth international has turned down a number of offers from Liverpool to sign a professional contract and his representatives have been keen to explore a potential move to Germany.
Borussia Monchengladbach and RB Leipzig have both registered their interest in the 18-year-old frontman, who won the Golden Boot at last year’s Under-17 World Cup.
However, Liverpool haven’t given up the fight with Jurgen Klopp making it clear that he would be part of the first-team squad next season if he stays put.
READ MORE
Jurgen Klopp's heartfelt speech for to 'role model' Mohamed Salah - and Liverpool boss' gratitude over Rhian Brewster
The ECHO understands that Liverpool have triggered the third year of Brewster’s Academy scholarship which means that no club is currently allowed to approach him. Anyone doing so at this stage will run the risk of being reported for tapping-up the youngster.
But Brewster could still opt to leave in the summer and Anfield officials understand the lure of the Bundesliga for an English player of his age.
He would be following in the footsteps of international team-mate Jadon Sancho, who snubbed a pro deal with Manchester City before signing for Borussia Dortmund last August. The 18-year-old has since made 11 league appearances for Dortmund.
Under FIFA rules, Liverpool would only be guaranteed a compensation payment of around £200,000 for Brewster if he went to Germany. However, such was the interest in Sancho that City negotiated a deal rising to £10million with Dortmund and the Reds value Brewster around the same level.
Brewster, who joined the Kirkby Academy from Chelsea in 2015, was first offered a heavily incentivised pro deal by the Reds when he turned 17 last year and once again following his 18th birthday last month.
Despite Liverpool’s frustration at the current stand-off, relations between all parties remain cordial. Brewster is highly regarded both as a player and a person by Klopp, Academy director Alex Inglethorpe, sporting director Michael Edwards and FSG president Mike Gordon.
As well as his blistering talent, they also admire the manner in which he has dealt with other issues such as the sickening racist abuse he’s been subjected to.
When Brewster’s season was cruelly ended by an ankle injury while playing for Liverpool Under-23s back in January, Klopp insisted that his rehab following surgery was overseen at Melwood rather than the Academy.
Brewster is expected to be fit by July and Klopp wants to give him opportunities to shine in the club’s pre-season friendlies, including the tour of America.
However, the growing fear is that Brewster’s head has been turned with Monchengladbach leading the chase of his signature.