Big Derby County transfer setback confirmed ahead of deadline

Derby County suffer transfer setback as Ben Brereton Diaz joins Sheffield United

Derby County have missed out on one of their leading targets of the summer after Sheffield United confirmed the signing of Ben Brereton Diaz on a season-long loan from Southampton.

The Rams had been pursuing the Chile international for much of the transfer window and were among three clubs to reach an agreement with Southampton over the terms of a loan deal. Stoke City were the other club to have an offer accepted.

With Southampton happy for the 26-year-old to decide where he wanted to spend the campaign, the final choice was left in Brereton Diaz’s hands. He ultimately opted to return to Sheffield United rather than make another temporary move to Pride Park.

Derby and the Blades were both prepared to meet Southampton’s wage requirements, with the Saints understood to have had no preference over which club secured the forward. Brereton Diaz still has two years remaining on his Southampton contract.

The decision will come as a major disappointment to Derby, particularly given the role they played in helping the attacker recover from a knee problem during the summer.

Brereton Diaz underwent surgery and is understood to have completed part of his rehabilitation at Derby’s Moor Farm training ground before returning to Southampton for pre-season.

Although the forward needed time to find his feet during his previous spell at Pride Park, he became an important player for John Eustace during the second half of the campaign.

He finished the season with eight goals in all competitions and made more than 40 appearances. His availability and consistency proved particularly valuable during a demanding Championship campaign.

Derby turn attention to alternative targets

With Brereton Diaz now off the market, Derby will have to consider alternative options for the right-wing position.

The Rams are already closing in on a deal for Danish forward Henrik Meister from Pisa, while reports linking them with Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury are understood to be wide of the mark.

For Sheffield United, Brereton Diaz is delighted to be returning to a club he already knows well.

“I’m really excited,” he said. “When I first got to the club, obviously I was really, really excited to come back for the third time with the gaffer and knowing the lads, so I’m really delighted and happy.”

The forward has previously worked with Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder and believes that existing relationship was an important factor in his decision.

“Me and the gaffer have got a great relationship. He’s done great in his career and for me, I’ve played for him twice already at Sheffield United, so I’m buzzing to come back again and play for him.”

Brereton Diaz also spoke highly of his previous experiences at Bramall Lane and believes he can quickly settle back into the squad.

“It’s a great club. The fans are great and the two times I’ve been here, I’ve absolutely loved it,” he added.

“For me, it was a year on loan, who’s going to get the best out of me? I feel like I’ll fit straight in.”

The forward is confident Wilder knows exactly how to get the best from him and is eager to contribute to Sheffield United’s campaign.

“He obviously knows what I’m about and what I can bring to the group, but I just want to help the lads out,” Brereton Diaz said.

“I know this group’s experienced, it’s got some familiar faces that I was with before, so I’m really excited to meet the new lads. It’s looking like a great squad and I’m excited to get involved with the lads.”