Ben Brereton Diaz is set to snub a return to Blackburn Rovers in favour of a move to Sheffield United, according to The Daily Mail.
The 25-year-old was a huge hit at Ewood Park during his stint between 2019 and 2023. He scored 47 goals in 177 appearances, 38 of which came during his last two seasons at the club.
This saw him earn a move to 2021 Europa League winners Villarreal upon the expiration of his contract. However, his time in Spain was a miserable one and he returned to England with Sheffield United just six months later.
Although the Blades suffered relegation from the Premier League, the Chilean international was widely praised for his time at Bramall Lane. He scored six times in 14 league outings, which eventually saw him join Southampton on a permanent deal last summer.
Brereton Diaz Makes Decision On Future
Brereton Diaz’s time at St Mary’s hasn’t gone to plan. He dropped out of the starting lineup by October and hasn’t step foot on the pitch since December 7th.
This has led to speculation that another loan move is on the cards. Reports emerged earlier this week that a second temporary spell at Sheffield United could materialise this month, a deal the attacker is reportedly keen on.
According to reports, former club Blackburn would also like to capture his signature alongside fellow Championship outfit Sunderland. However, it is claimed that the former Nottingham Forest player has his heart set on a return to Yorkshire and he will be happy to see out the season at Southampton should the deal not come off.
Blackburn currently sit seventh in the second tier, one point outside the play-off places.
Writer’s View
Brereton Diaz enjoyed his time at Sheffield United last season and it’s understandable that he would like to return to the club. The Blades are challenging for the Championship title, and he may see it is an opportunity to make an impact in the Premier League should he impress at Bramall Lane once again and secure a permanent transfer. Despite that, Blackburn was the club which put him in the public eye. To flat out rule out a move is perplexing, although there must be more than concrete interest from Sheffield United for him to come to that decision.