Derby County may have the last laugh as Sheffield United suffer John Eustace transfer blow

Derby County entered the international break with plenty of work still to do after collecting just one league victory from their opening eight matches. While John Eustace has not yet faced widespread pressure from supporters, the early-season results have raised concerns, particularly after the Rams missed out on one of their leading summer targets to a Championship rival.

Derby rescued a point in their final game before the break as Mohammed Fuseini struck late on the counter-attack against Burnley. However, the result still left the Rams sitting inside the relegation places alongside Burnley and Preston North End.

The summer transfer window brought some positives for Eustace, with Derby managing to secure permanent deals for Sammie Szmodics, Bobby Clark and David Ozoh. Nevertheless, the failed takeover involving Turki Alalshikh disrupted the club’s plans and potentially limited what Derby could achieve in the market.

One of the biggest disappointments was the failure to bring Ben Brereton Diaz back to Pride Park.

Derby wanted Ben Brereton Diaz back at Pride Park

Eustace had made no secret of his desire to keep Brereton Diaz after the Chile international impressed during his previous loan spell.

Before the end of last season, the Derby boss acknowledged that several of his loan players enjoyed their time at the club and would be open to staying, although he admitted the final decisions were beyond his control.

Derby eventually managed to bring back Clark, Szmodics and Ozoh, while Brereton Diaz remained available at Southampton. The Rams subsequently expressed interest in another loan deal for the forward.

Stoke City were also keen on the 27-year-old, who has supported the Potters since childhood. Despite interest from both clubs, however, Brereton Diaz opted for a return to Sheffield United.

The decision initially represented a significant blow for Derby, especially given his contribution during his previous spell at Pride Park.

The forward scored seven goals and provided three assists in 40 Championship appearances for the Rams last season, making him an important part of Eustace’s squad.

Brereton Diaz has struggled since returning to Sheffield United

Things have not gone according to plan for Brereton Diaz since his move back to South Yorkshire.

He made his third Sheffield United debut as a substitute during their 2-2 draw against Cardiff City before starting their next six league fixtures.

However, the forward has yet to score or register an assist since returning to the Blades. His difficult start has coincided with a poor run of form for Chris Wilder’s side, who have suffered four defeats in their last five matches in all competitions.

Their League Cup exit was particularly disappointing, with Sheffield United losing 1-0 away to League Two Fleetwood Town.

Brereton Diaz has made seven appearances in all competitions this season without finding the net or providing an assist.

Wilder has also moved him around the pitch, deploying him on the left side of a 4-4-2, as a striker and in an attacking midfield role within a 3-4-2-1 formation.

Finding the right position for Brereton Diaz could therefore be crucial if Sheffield United are to get more from their returning loanee after the international break.

Derby could take some comfort from Sheffield United’s struggles

Derby’s own start means Eustace will hardly be celebrating their decision to miss out on Brereton Diaz, but the forward’s struggles at Sheffield United have at least changed the picture somewhat.

The Rams clearly wanted to bring him back after his productive spell last season, but his decision to join the Blades has so far failed to produce the expected results.

Whether Derby would still pursue another move for Brereton Diaz remains unclear, particularly with the relationship between the player and Eustace potentially affected by the summer decision.

For now, though, Derby can at least point to the fact that their former forward has also struggled to make an impact since choosing Sheffield United.