'Linked up well' - Derby County fans willing to buy £7m Southampton flop

Derby fans are willing to take Southampton loanee Ben Brereton Díaz on their books with a permanent move this summer.

The March international break has served as a necessary pause for Southampton to check in on their loaned stars. After catching up on Aaron Ramsdale’s situation at Newcastle and Will Smallbone’s injury, next comes the case of Ben Brereton Díaz.

Brereton Díaz has enjoyed a rollercoaster reputation at Southampton. Having been signed for a £7m fee ahead of the Saints’ 2024/25 Premier League campaign, the club faithful had high hopes for him to deliver.

However, a horrible spell that saw him finish the season with zero goals compelled Southampton to offload him last summer. With the Saints dropping to the Championship, they arranged a loan to Derby County in the same division to keep an eye on him if he rediscovers his form.

Fast forward to now, Ben Brereton Díaz’s performances are taking Saints fans by surprise. After a quiet start to the season, his form has so impressed Derby supporters that they now want him signed permanently.

Ben Brereton Díaz’s Derby County loan spell

Brereton Díaz didn’t have a brilliant start to the 2025/26 Championship campaign. With a single goal until the first half of the season, the forward looked underconfident in the same way as he did during his time at Southampton last season.

However, Rams boss John Eustace’s decision to move him onto the right wing has changed the trajectory of his loan spell altogether.

After a single goal until the 25th matchday, Brereton Díaz has since struck five more times to take his season tally to six goals. His form was so impressive that his goal contribution spree earned him a PFA Fans’ Player of the Month nomination for January.

While Brereton Díaz didn’t win the award, his performances have been fundamental to Derby’s playoff chase. Apart from his goal in the 2‑1 defeat to Wrexham, all but one of his goal contributions have helped the Rams pick up crucial points.

The best part of Ben Brereton Díaz’s mid-season turnaround is that his recent performances have won over Derby County fans. Though Derby fans were initially apprehensive about Eustace’s backing of Brereton Díaz, his goals have led fans to recognise his dedication to the team.

The fan reaction has been so positive that Derby supporters are now buying into the idea of making Ben Brereton Díaz’s loan a permanent move.

Derby County fans are willing to sign Ben Brereton Díaz

As quoted by the Football League World, Derby fan pundit Shaun Woodward said, “Brereton Díaz has got better as the season’s gone on. He’s looked really comfortable in the role he’s been asked to do, he’s scored some good goals, and he’s linked up well. He works really hard for the team. He had a bit of a tough start, but he’s really come shining through.”

The best aspect of Ben Brereton Díaz’s resurgence is that there are no losers in this scenario. While his performances are increasingly convincing Derby fans of a permanent move, parting with him could also be a step forward for Southampton.

Having had a horrible experience with him at St. Mary’s, the Saints wouldn’t hesitate to let him go if it means recouping a significant chunk of their £7m investment in him. But it’s worth noting that Brereton Díaz’s future could also hinge on the upcoming clash between Southampton and Derby.

Given that the April contest between Southampton and Derby pits the 6th and 8th‑placed sides against each other, it’s a must‑win for both playoff contenders. With just three points separating them, the result could reshape the playoff picture entirely.

If Brereton Díaz delivers another brilliant performance for Derby, the Rams will grow even more confident about signing him permanently. On the other hand, Southampton can firsthand see if he can be useful to them based on his current form.