Kevin Phillips says Rhian Brewster could join West Bromwich Albion next season as he’s likely to struggle for playing time at Liverpool but wouldn’t be out of his depth at a newly-promoted club.
Albion could be awarded promotion to the Premier League if the season is cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic and Phillips has explained why Brewster could be on their radar if that happens.
He told Football Insider: “Tammy Abraham got his chance at Chelsea in extraordinary circumstances but you will not see that at Liverpool. Next season the same three will be up top and Klopp might add to that. It might make it even more difficult.
“Brewster might be one that a promoted team might target, someone like a West Brom. He is not out of his depth at that level.”
The 20-year-old joined Liverpool from Chelsea in 2015 and has made only three first-team appearances. He’s yet to score at senior level too.
Brewster impressed at youth level, scoring five goals and making four assists for the U18s in addition to having a hand in 23 goals for the U23s, but he’s found himself behind Roberto Firmino and Divock Origi in the pecking order.
Klopp has favoured an attack of Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, so it’s hard to see Brewster getting many opportunities.
The lack of playing time was likely why he opted to join Swansea City on loan in January. The 20-year-old scored four goals in 11 games for the Jacks before the season was postponed.
Whether he’s good enough for Premier League football remains to be seen, however. Swansea are in the Championship, so it may be wishful thinking to expect Brewster to replicate such form one division above.
