Former Blackburn Rovers attacker Ben Brereton Diaz is being linked with a surprising return to England’s second-tier after a relatively unsuccessful spell so far in La Liga with Villarreal.
The Chile international scored 47 goals during his time at Ewood Park, having joined the Lancashire club at the start of the 2018/19 season for a reported £7 million from Nottingham Forest, who were in the Championship at the time.
Having struggled in his first three campaigns with the Riversiders, Brereton Diaz eventually bagged 38 goals in his final two seasons at the club, earning a transfer to Villarreal in the Spanish top-flight after his contract expired with Blackburn.
Unfortunately, his time with the Yellow Submarine has not gone to plan. The 24-year-old has made 14 appearances in all competitions this season for Villarreal and has failed to find the net even once, while picking up three times as many yellow cards.
Now, according to a report from TeamTalk, Brereton Diaz may be set for a return to the Championship on loan, with Leicester City, Southampton and West Bromwich Albion all keen to secure his services.
The second division trio are not alone in their interest of the Chilean. Premier League sides Burnley and Crystal Palace are keeping tabs on the forward’s situation in Spain too, while Villarreal are open to allowing Diaz to leave on a temporary deal until the summer.
The Foxes, the Saints and the Baggies are all hoping to add to their attacking departments this winter ahead of a gruelling second half of the season in the fight for promotion back to the top-flight.
Writer’s View
This would be an excellent acquisition for any side in the Championship. Brereton Diaz has struggled in Spain but is a proven goalscorer in the second tier, based off his final two seasons with Blackburn Rovers.
Furthermore, the ex-Manchester United youth player can play anywhere along the frontline, making him a useful asset for any coach who is looking for a positionally-versastile player in their squad.
Deputy Head of Writing
