According to TyC Sports, a number of Championship teams have entered the competition for former Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton Diaz, including South American powerhouse Boca Juniors.
The 24-year-old’s contract at Ewood Park expired, thus he joined Villarreal, the champions of the 2021 Europa League, in the summer. After scoring 38 goals for the Lancashire team in the previous two seasons, he attracted the attention of several possible suitors. In July, the La Liga team announced his signing on a four-year contract.
He has only made two league starts thus far, though, since his time in Spain hasn’t gone as expected. Despite making 19 appearances in all competitions, he is still yet to score his first goal.
Consequently, there have been intense rumors of a comeback to the Championship, with Villarreal reportedly ready to let him leave in January. Last month, it was claimed that West Bromwich Albion, Leicester City, and Leeds United are all eager to add more attacking alternatives to improve their chances of being promoted.
Premier League teams Crystal Palace and Burnley are reportedly also interested and may make a move when the transfer window reopens in January, according to Estadio Deportivo. Although his Chilean nationality would make a move difficult due to the league’s strict rules, which only allow six international players to be registered inside the club, TyC Sports claims Argentina’s Boca Juniors are also in the running.
Their hopes could be further hampered by the rumored €10 million price Villarreal would demand to persuade them to part with the former attacker from Nottingham Forest.
When Brereton Diaz was added as a late substitution in Villarreal’s La Liga match against Real Madrid yesterday, he did get the chance to play at the Bernabeu Stadium. He failed to have any effect, though, as the 14-time European champions prevailed 4-1.
Even though Brereton Diaz has only been with the team for five months, there are still rumors circulating that Villarreal is ready to part with him. If he is permitted to leave the Estadio de la Cerámica, there will be no shortage of offers for him to return to England rather than move to Argentina.
Despite his little playing time, the attacker is eager to prove his value in Spain and will undoubtedly hope to stay until the end of the current campaign. But a return to the Championship on loan might help him find his best form again, which would be advantageous for the team in the long run as well as the individual.
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