"Chris Wilder is convinced" - Pundit reacts to Sheffield United plans for "asset" | OneFootball

Despite being seen as a flop by many, Carlton Palmer reckons Sheffield United must give Rhian Brewster a new deal

Pundit Carlton Palmer feels that Sheffield United’s move to extend the contract of Rhian Brewster is a no-brainer despite the striker’s struggles in front of goal.

Chris Wilder confirmed this week that the Blades were hoping to tie Brewster down to a new deal, with the forward out of contract this summer.

Brewster has not signed a new deal since joining Sheffield United for a fee reported to be worth up to £23.5million in October 2020.

New contract for Rhian Brewster “makes absolute sense” for Sheffield United

Brewster has come under a lot of criticism over the years for a perceived lack of value, the former Liverpool man scoring just seven goals in 105 appearances for the Blades but there have been some promising signs this term.

Palmer believes Sheffield United have to move to secure Brewster to a new deal, asserting how important it is that they protect the value of their investment.

He told Football League World: “Sheffield United and Chris Wilder confirmed that they have opened talks with Rhian Brewster about extending his contract.

“It does not surprise me – it makes absolute sense for them.

“He joined the Blades in 2020 from Liverpool, signing a five-year deal for a club record fee, reported to be around £23.5million.

“That contract is set to expire in the summer and Chris has alluded to the fact that it wasn’t as much money as that.

“The 24-year-old has struggled over the years at Bramall Lane, but since Chris Wilder has returned to the football club he has been contributing greatly this season.

“So I think it makes sense for the club to protect their asset. He is still a young player. Chris Wilder is convinced there is more to come from the player.

“He has suffered with injuries, and that is a problem. He hasn’t been able to get up and running.”

Rhian Brewster can repay Chris Wilder’s faith at Sheffield United

Palmer went on to admit that such a big price tag would put pressure on any player, before pointing out Brewster’s struggles with injury.

However, former Sheffield Wednesday man Palmer believes working with Wilder longer-term would only benefit him.

Palmer continued: “Also, there is this issue when you move with a price tag you have to hit the ground running and be seen to do really well.

“He didn’t do that, he picked up injuries. And I think now that Chris Wilder has signed a new long-term contract, if he can stay fit and healthy, he can add to the squad in any league.

“Obviously from Chris Wilder’s point of view and from Sheffield United’s point of view, they’re protecting their asset.

“You’re not going to pay £23million for a player and just let him go on a free. So, we will have to wait and see how these contract talks go on.

“Chris Wilder is a brilliant bloke, and who wouldn’t want to work for Chris Wilder? I think there is going to be options – Chris Wilder wants options, will need options, in the frontline.

“But (Rhian Brewster) is very versatile in where he can play in that front line.

“I think it’s a positive step for Brewster – he can then relax a bit, without moving on to a new club without that stigma of it didn’t work out at Sheffield United.

“Hopefully he can carry on making an impact, doing better and better, and substantiating why Sheffield United bought him in the first place.”