Ben Brereton Diaz drops Derby County claim - is permanent Southampton exit now likely? | OneFootball

The forward made the move to Pride Park last summer.

Ben Brereton Diaz has already had some career, having played in the Premier League, the Europa League and even for Chile, but now he is enjoying his time at Derby County.

Last summer, the 27-year-old made the loan switch from Championship rivals Southampton, and while he struggled to find the net earlier in the season, he has now found his feet at Pride Park.

Indeed, the Rams have been something of a surprise package, going from relegation candidates to promotion hopefuls under the admirable John Eustace.

With just a handful of games left to play in the season, Brereton Diaz has been speaking about his time at Derby and his decision to move to the East Midlands.

Ben Brereton Diaz had easy Derby County transfer decision last summer

After the disappointment of Sheffield United's play-off final defeat to Sunderland, Brereton Diaz returned to the South Coast, with Southampton relegated to the Championship.

While he may have thought he would get some playing time under Will Still, he was left to ponder his future on the bench before being left out of the Saints' squad for their final games in August.

Understandably, the Chile international moved to Derby, and he has since been speaking about his move to Pride Park on Sky Sports' Essential EFL podcast.

“When I knew that I could go out on loan, and Derby was a choice, it was a no-brainer," he said.

"They’re a great club and, in the past, I played against them and the supporters and everything like that, so I thought it was a great fit for myself, and obviously, speaking to the gaffer, it was really good.

"I’m so happy I made the decision to come here on loan because it’s such a great club, and I’ve enjoyed myself. I’ve got great minutes on the pitch, obviously scoring goals again now.

"The lads are brilliant; it’s a great squad with a lot of Championship experience in the squad.”

What next for Brereton Diaz after Derby loan?

Given that the forward's contract with Southampton comes to an end this summer, the Chilean will enter the summer as a free agent.

During the winter window, there were reports that Brereton Diaz's Derby loan may be terminated early to pave the way for a move to Brazilian giants Corinthians, but that never materialised.

Since the turn of the year, the 27-year-old has rediscovered his form, scoring six goals and contributing three assists, which have helped the Rams in their play-off push.

With the summer fast approaching, there have not been any significant reports on the forward's future, but given his past, he may have offers from clubs across the globe.

Indeed, Derby may consider offering the former Villarreal man a contract themselves, although they would likely have to make him one of the club's highest earners, with his weekly wages estimated to be £25,000, according to Capology.

Rams supporters may have questioned a move for the Chilean earlier in the season, given his lack of impact, but some are surely warming to the idea now after his form in the second half of the campaign.

First, though, the forward must channel his efforts into securing Eustace's side an unlikely play-off place, which would be some achievement.