Vini Souza and Oli McBurnie react to emotional Rhian Brewster, Sheffield United message | OneFootball

Former Sheffield United duo Vini Souza and Oli McBurnie have reacted to Rhian Brewster's emotional Bramall Lane farewell message.

Rhian Brewster has posted an emotional farewell message to Sheffield United on social media after his Bramall Lane exit was confirmed, and former team-mates Vini Souza and Oli McBurnie are among those who have reacted.

Brewster became Sheffield United's record signing when he made the move from Liverpool in a deal worth up to £23.5 million in October 2020, but it is fair to say he had a mixed spell at the club.

The 25-year-old was unable to get on the scoresheet consistently during his injury-disrupted stint with the Blades as he struggled to repay their significant investment in him, but he did play an important role last season as the club finished third in the Championship before losing to Sunderland in the play-off final.

Brewster's representatives turned down an initial contract proposal from United in January, and while an offer is believed to have remained on the table for the forward throughout the summer, he has decided against extending his stay in South Yorkshire in order to join Derby County.

The former Liverpool man is the Rams' eighth signing of a busy summer, and after his move to Pride Park was confirmed on Friday morning, Brewster insisted it was a "no-brainer" to become part of the club's exciting project after holding talks with head coach John Eustace.

Vini Souza and Oli McBurnie react to Rhian Brewster's Sheffield United goodbye

After his time at Bramall Lane came to an end, Brewster took to social media to send a heartfelt farewell message to Sheffield United, and he thanked his team-mates, staff and supporters for the backing he was given during what he admitted was a turbulent five years.

"Where do I start… Firstly, I want to thank the fans, players, and staff at Sheffield United for the huge support, belief, and kindness you’ve shown me throughout my time at the club," Brewster wrote on Instagram.

"My journey here has been nothing short of a roller coaster, one that tested my patience, resilience, and character. It took time to really kick start, and I faced setbacks that were completely out of my control, especially with injuries that kept me sidelined when all I wanted to do was be out there giving my all for the badge. But even through the tougher moments, I always felt the support and belief from those around me, and for that, I’m deeply grateful.

"I’ve made memories here that will stay with me forever, from moments on the pitch to bonds formed off it. I’ve had the privilege of working with some truly great people, teammates who became like family and staff who always went above and beyond. I’ll always be thankful for those relationships and the lessons they’ve taught me.

"Thank you to the club for the opportunities you’ve given me, from believing in me, and for allowing me to grow not only as a player but as a person.

"While this chapter has now come to a close, Sheffield United will always hold a special place in my heart. I leave with nothing but respect and appreciation, and I’ll always be wishing the club and its incredible supporters all the success in the world.

"Thank you for everything. UTB."

Many of the Blades' current stars, including Michael Cooper, Harrison Burrows, Tom Davies, Andre Brooks, Tyrese Campbell and Tom Cannon, wished Brewster well on his new adventure, but some of his former team-mates were also among those to comment.

Midfielder Vini Souza, who left United to join German side Wolfsburg earlier this summer for a fee of €15 million (£12.8 million), wrote: "All the best my brother".

Oli McBurnie is believed to have held talks about a return to Bramall Lane in recent weeks, with fellow Championship trio Ipswich Town, Hull City and Swansea City also reportedly interested in the striker, and he was another ex-Blades star to react to Brewster's post as he simply said: "My brother".

Rhian Brewster departs Bramall Lane with mixed Sheffield United legacy

Brewster scored just nine goals for Sheffield United during his five-year spell at Bramall Lane, so it is difficult to consider his time at the club as a success, particularly given the sizeable fee the Blades paid for him.

However, despite his underwhelming form and frequent injury problems, Brewster remained a popular figure among the United faithful, and his winning goal in the 1-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday in the Steel City derby at Hillsborough back in March has ensured him a place in the club's history.

With Brewster departing and Kieffer Moore closing in on a move to Wrexham, the Blades will need to bolster their forward line before the end of the transfer window, and it remains to be seen whether they will be able to convince McBurnie to return to the club.