Liverpool have taken the drastic action of cancelling their planned pre-season friendly against Borussia Monchengladbach amid the Bundesliga side’s interest in young striker Rhian Brewster, according to the Telegraph.
The newspaper report that the August 7th match at Anfield is now off amid Monchengladbach’s pursuit of the 18-year-old forward, with Liverpool believing their chase has gone too far.
The Telegraph claim that Liverpool officials have sent a written warning to the Bundesliga club concerning their conduct in chasing Brewster, who they believe has been spoken to without permission.
It is said that Liverpool are ready to take the matter to FIFA.
OPINION
This seems slightly petty from the Reds, especially considering that Monchengladbach are a club with which Liverpool have had a good relationship for decades. However, this drastic move also shows the seriousness with which Liverpool are taking Brewster’s future. The young striker looks destined for big things, and the Anfield club are obviously doing all in their power to retain him this summer. The worry still remains that Brewster is yet to sign a professional deal with the club despite being offered two separate contracts, and that may leave the Reds in a compromising position if he does want to leave this summer. However, they are also in a position of strength with him under contract on a scholarship deal for one more year, and that should keep an exit at bay for now. Manager Jurgen Klopp is said to have given the youngster guarantees of a chance in pre-season, and a promise of a spot in the first-team squad next season, which should help their cause as well.
