Jurgen Klopp could use Pep Guardiola and Man City example to decide biggest transfer dilemma

Rhian Brewster is one of the two names who have been most frequently spoken about since Liverpool began their preparations for the 2020/21 season.

Alongside 17-year-old Frenchman Billy Koumetio, the striker has caused plenty of excitement – and that will not be tempered after his unfortunate penalty miss at Wembley against Arsenal.

The talk before the Community Shield was whether or not he should stick around next season, or go out on loan in search of regular top-flight minutes, and that chatter will continue until a final decision is made.

Around six Premier League clubs have expressed an interest in the player. Several in the Championship are thought to be keen, too, though a top-flight move appears to make the most sense for Brewster’s development.

In a summer where Liverpool are not going to be spending huge money, what happens with Brewster – certainly in the long-term – could prove to be their most important decision of the window.

As Josh Williams said on the Analysing Anfield podcast: “If he does go on loan, it will be to a Premier League club or a top-flight European club so he can come back and be integrated.

“Compare that to Harry Wilson, who has been sent on loan to increase his value. Brewster would be sent with a means of development with a genuine means of staying in the squad.

“Trent didn’t spend any time on loan, and Curtis Jones and Neco Williams haven’t. A loan would be against the tradition since Klopp came to the club.”

David Hughes added: “It would be interesting to see where they would send him because it would have to be somewhere where there was considerable development in line with how Liverpool play.

“There would be no point in him going somewhere and playing in a front two, for example. You have to learn things he is going to utilise then at Liverpool, which maybe there is a case he should stay and be integrated this year.

“With Phil Foden, Pep Guardiola said something along the lines of ‘10 games with Manchester City per season is more valuable than 30 games at another Premier League club’.

“I don’t think that was arrogance, I totally understand it. I wonder whether Liverpool will be in the same position.”

That is the dilemma that Liverpool face: copy Guardiola’s stance, as has been the model under Jurgen Klopp with the best talents at the club, or make an exception.

Whatever their decision, Brewster’s trajectory will continue to be a high one as he bids to establish himself at the senior level of the game.