Derby County backed to take Ben Brereton-Diaz action that will interest Southampton | OneFootball

The Southampton loanee has struggled since his temporary switch in the summer

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Southampton loanee Ben Brereton-Diaz has struggled during his Derby County stint so far.

He’s appeared 19 times for the Rams but has managed just one goal, and provided no assists.

All of those outings have come as starts, so the Chile international cannot accuse boss John Eustace of not showing him faith.

We asked our Derby fan pundit, Shaun Woodward, whether it’s time for the club to seek a loan termination in January and look at other options.

Speaking to Football League World, Shaun said: “It's a difficult one, really, because Ben Brereton-Diaz came in with a big reputation.

“I think the Derby fans were really excited by him, and besides that good goal at Wrexham, he's contributed next to nothing, goals and assists-wise.

“He works hard, he huffs and puffs, you know, he gets around the pitch, but really he's offering us nothing as a goal threat or someone that's going to set up goals.

“He's a big, strong lad, but he's just not showing what he's capable of in a Derby shirt, and I think he's got more goals for Chile whilst he's been at Derby than he has for Derby.

“I think a lot of fans have given up on him, and he came with a big reputation, just hasn't produced.

“So, for me, I think we cut our losses. He's been here a long time now, and it's not as if Eustace hasn't given him a chance. He's played him every game. and he just hasn't produced for us.

“Some players don't suit some clubs and he hasn't come in and settled. He looks lost out there.

“So, for me, I would cut our loss with him and bring in someone, because he's probably on good wages as well, so it would free up a bit of money, bring in someone, hopefully a bit better, and who can contribute a bit more towards the future for Derby.”

MLS may come to Derby County’s rescue again

Derby have good experience from dealing with North America’s top tier, having signed forward Patrick Agyemang from Charlotte earlier this year, who has gone on to hit six goals and three assists in the league.

The MLS may be back to help the Rams again, but via a slightly different route this time.

According to Sky Sports, Canadian side Toronto FC are exploring a move for Brereton-Diaz, which would naturally spell an end to his time with Derby.

Depending on the terms of the loan, it may not matter to the Rams what Brereton-Diaz’s next steps are, but it will certainly make the process much smoother if the player and his parent club also want the move.

It seems simple to accept that the loan simply hasn’t worked out, and it may be best for all parties if the permanent move to Toronto is explored.

Derby is likely to close as another difficult chapter for Brereton-Diaz, who has never rediscovered the form he found earlier in his career with Blackburn Rovers, which prompted an unsuccessful move to La Liga outfit Villarreal.

As nodded to by Shaun, cancelling the loan could also have a positive financial impact for Derby.

According to estimates from Capology, Brereton-Diaz currently earns £25,000 per week, level with the Rams’ top earner, Carlton Morris.

While Derby are unlikely to be paying that full amount, due to the forward being on loan from the Saints, and we don’t know what the exact splits are, it’s safe to assume he isn’t cheap to have in the building.

Sending Brereton-Diaz back to Southampton would open another loan spot for a player who will hopefully have a greater impact, and also free up that extra money to add to the wage budget.

Eustace may well feel he can still get something out of the loanee, but his current stats, along with Toronto’s interest, provokes a feeling that his time at Derby is only heading in one direction.