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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp hints Rhian Brewster sale was not his decision
Rhian Brewster is expected to start for Sheffield United against Liverpool this evening.
Rhian Brewster says he is 'excited' to join Sheffield United
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has opened up on the difficult decision to sell Rhian Brewster as the striker prepares to take on his former side with Sheffield United. Brewster proved what Liverpool had long already knew in the second half of last season when he bagged 11 goals in 22 appearances on loan at Swansea.
The 20-year-old has a track record of scoring goals at every level since he arrived at Anfield six years ago.
Klopp soon took notice of the promising forward and brought him in to train regularly with the first team.
Brewster's debut was delayed due to a long injury lay off but he struggled to break into Klopp's team on a regular basis last season.
An impressive loan spell at Swansea though led to suggestions he could make the step up this season.
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But Liverpool were unable to promise Brewster regular first-team football and they eventually agreed to sell him to Sheffield United for £23.5million earlier this month, which included a buyback clause.
Brewster won't have to wait long before being reunited with his former team-mates though as he is set to make his full Premier League debut against Liverpool tonight.
Klopp has long spoken highly of the striker and speaking ahead of the game against Chris Wilder's side, the Liverpool boss suggests selling Brewster was not his decision.
“There is one change to Sheffield United that certainly makes them more dangerous. And that is the arrival of Rhian Brewster," he wrote in the matchday programme.
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"Our guy, our man - this will always be the case in our hearts. But now on the pitch he is Sheffield United. And anyone who knows Rhian will be aware that sentiment will be firmly left outside of Anfield when he arrives today.
“It would not be possible for me to understate my love, respect and admiration for Rhi.
"Such a special guy on and off the pitch. I’m not going to lie, agreeing to that transfer was really hard.
“He is a natural-born goalscorer. It’s in his DNA. He is a coach’s dream as he is so eager to learn but also a beacon of positive energy.
"He had some really hard moments with us, but throughout he never once lost belief and he was always someone who would light up a room, even when he experienced really tough times.
“We miss him but we are delighted that he has found a fantastic home at Sheffield United.
"Hopefully he has an off-night this evening and then when we travel to Sheffield. But for the other games we all support him and wish him success.”