"Splits the fan base" - Reaction given to Sheffield United, Rhian Brewster contract update | OneFootball

The forward is reportedly discussing a new deal despite a difficult spell at Bramall Lane

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Chris Wilder recently revealed that Sheffield United had entered contract talks with forward Rhian Brewster.

Quoted by The Star, Wilder said: “I'd love him to get that deal sorted out. His agent's talking to the club and hopefully we can come to some sort of agreement and arrangement.”

Since his signing in 2020, Brewster has scored just seven times in 105 appearances for the Blades.

We asked our Sheffield United Fan Pundit, Jimmy, for his thoughts on the proposed contract renewal.

Faith still held in Brewster

Speaking to Football League World, Jimmy said: “Rhian Brewster splits the fan base in all honesty.

“It’s widely acknowledged that he’s a great lad and a real positive influence in and around the club, and the vast majority of the fan base all want him to do really well, but being a nice guy only he gets yourself so far, and he has to prove it on the pitch.

“I personally think he's yet to prove it, however, I back the manager and if the manager believes he can get that extra level out of Rhian Brewster that we all saw when he first signed.

“It wasn't like he came from left field and wasn't well thought of, he was. We were all unanimous almost in our excitement of the Rhian Brewster signing when he first came.

“It was a huge gamble by the club, which in hindsight hasn't paid off, but there is a chance that he can continue his Sheffield United career.

“And I think he's played well recently. I don't think he's been very consistent in his standard of performance, but he came in and got the assist against Portsmouth, came off the bench and got that assist for Tyrese Campbell, and he's starting to turn the corner a little bit.

“If he can maintain a run of fitness, we’ll really start to see what we've got with Rhian Brewster.

“And fingers crossed it's a real player because, like I say, we all want him to succeed, because if he succeeds, so does the club.”

Blades must tread carefully in contract talks

Brewster signed a bumper five-year contract when he arrived at Bramall Lane and, given that he’s failed to hit more than three goals in a single season for the Blades so far, it was assumed the club would be eager to get themselves away from the deal at the earliest opportunity.

However, this latest contract reveal shows Wilder retains some hope for Brewster.

With two goals and two assists in the Championship so far this season, he is currently on course to register one of his best campaigns since arriving.

But Wilder was the manager back in 2020 when the Blades agreed the club-record deal of £23.5million, and really talked up his potential.

If Wilder genuinely believes Brewster can find his form — and there is a player in there, he netted 10 goals in 20 outings for Swansea City in the second tier in a previous loan spell — then a new deal on more appealing terms may be sensible, but the manager must ensure that is his motivation, rather than chasing his losses.