What is happening with Rhian Brewster’s Sheffield United contract? | OneFootball

The 25-year-old is the only Blade out of contract this summer

Nearly two weeks on from releasing their retained list, talks between Rhian Brewster and Sheffield United over a new contract remain ongoing.

The 25-year-old has endured a tough five years at Bramall Lane after signing from Liverpool for £23.5 million - a figure which still stands as Sheffield United's most expensive signing.

Injuries have limited his time on the pitch for the Blades, with 42 of his 119 appearances in all competitions (roughly 35%) for Sheffield United coming this season alone. Additionally, his four goals in the recent Championship season doubled his league goalscoring tally at the club, once again proving how difficult it has been for Brewster to get going in South Yorkshire.

However, those numbers could also indicate that the 25-year-old is finally ready to fully realise his potential, having progressed well through Liverpool's youth system and for England in the past.

Brewster may have to look to do this in a new setting next season, though, if an acceptable new deal isn't offered to him soon by Sheffield United.

Rhian Brewster's contract talks remain unresolved

Other than the seven loan players who returned to their parent clubs, Sheffield United's retained list revealed that the majority of players who played at Bramall Lane this past season will be under contract for the 2025/26 campaign.

Everyone except Rhian Brewster, that is, with the 25-year-old being the sole player out of contract and in discussions with the club over a new one.

Nearly two weeks later, and that's still the situation Brewster and Sheffield United find themselves in. However, with the former England U-21 international being the only player Chris Wilder needs to negotiate with, perhaps he's in no real hurry to make a decision just yet.

The main question mark surrounding the 25-year-old will be his fitness. This season was the first since his debut campaign at Bramall Lane that he's played more than 16 league games.

Brewster was named in 41 matchday squads in the Championship this season, and if he is offered a new deal, Wilder will be hoping that this lengthy patch of availability isn't just a one-season occurrence.

Pre-existing attacking depth at Sheffield United may drive Rhian Brewster away

Despite Jesurun Rak-Sakyi and Ben Brereton Diaz leaving Sheffield United at the culmination of their loan spells, the Blades still have a plethora of attacking quality on their books for 2025/26.

Tyrese Campbell, Tom Cannon and Kieffer Moore are all still under contract, and you'd argue that if they all stay fit, it'll be tough for Brewster to get in the side in his preferred striker position.

This past season has seen Brewster play across the front line and even out wide. In the play-off final defeat to Sunderland, the 25-year-old started the game on the right before being substituted in the 65th minute.

So, starting in the biggest game of your club's season would suggest that Chris Wilder still rates Brewster as an option, and scoring the winning goal in the Steel City derby at Hillsborough in March will see him as a popular figure among Sheffield United fans.

You'd expect a new contract to be offered on this basis, but perhaps a different offer from a club promising Brewster regular starts up front may see him depart Bramall Lane for £23.5 million less than what he was brought in for in 2020.