Derby County enters the international break having won only one of its first eight league games, and while fans have yet to fully embrace head coach John Eustace, the warning signs are there, particularly after missing out on one of the main summer goals to a division rival.

Mohammed Fuseini saved Derby’s draw at Burnley in their final game before the international break with a late counter-attacking goal, but the Rams remain in one of the three relegation places, along with the Clarets and Preston North End.

While the Rams avoided losing any significant players and welcomed back Sammie Szmodics, Bobby Clark, and David Ozoh to Pride Park, it was still a difficult window for the team.

The aborted takeover of Turki Alalshikh undoubtedly interrupted transfer plans, and if that had gone through, the club may now be looking ahead rather than back.

While Eustace will be relieved to hear that Szmodics, Clark, and Ozoh have returned on permanent contracts, the Rams lost one of their primary summer objectives to a division rival, but as things stand, the 46-year-old is unlikely to be concerned.

Derby County were interested in re-signing Ben Brereton Diaz this summer, along with Stoke City and Sheffield United.

Before last season finished, Eustace made it plain that he intended to bring back his loanees, saying: “Obviously, I’ve spoken to all of the players. They enjoy playing for Derby and spending time here. From that perspective, I believe they would all prefer to stay, but everything else is beyond my control.

Clark, Szmodics, Ozoh, Jaydon Banel, and Ben Brereton Diaz were all key members of Derby’s squad last season, and all but Banel appeared to be available.

The three former players would re-sign, and Derby expressed interest in Brereton Diaz late in the window, despite the Chilean’s lack of popularity at Southampton.

Stoke City would also make a loan bid for their former academy product, but the 27-year-old ultimately chose to return to Sheffield United on loan, dealing a shattering blow to both the Rams and Potters.

Ben Brereton Diaz would reject Derby County and Stoke City offers in favour of a Sheffield United return.

Despite being allowed to utilise Derby’s Moor Farm to rehab his knee after surgery, Brereton Diaz turned down a return to the Rams for a third loan spell at Sheffield United.

The 42-cap Chilean international scored seven goals and assisted three in 40 Championship appearances with the Rams last season, and Derby appeared to be the front-runners in the race to sign him.

The Potters, who grew up supporting Stoke, may have expected to be significant candidates for the race. However, Chris Wilder’s team would sign the former Blackburn Rovers star, much to the dismay of rival club supporters.

Ben Brereton Diaz has struggled since returning to Sheffield United on loan from Southampton

When Brereton Diaz returned to South Yorkshire, he was put right into the action, making his Blades debut in his third stay, going on as a late substitute in a 2-2 draw away to Cardiff City.

Since then, the Chilean has started the following six league games for the Blades, but has yet to contribute a single direct goal, as Sheffield United enters the international break after four defeats in their last five games across all competitions, including a 1-0 away loss to League Two Fleetwood Town in the League Cup.

Ben Brereton Diaz’s Sheffield United statistics for 2026/27 (all competitions)

Appearances

7

Goals

0

Assists

0

Yellow cards.

0

While Wilder will undoubtedly be irritated by his lack of influence upon his return, the 59-year-old has already played him in a variety of roles, including on the left side of a 4-4-2, as a striker in the same formation, and as an attacking midfielder in a 3-4-2-1.

The Blades’ head coach must secure a spot for Brereton Diaz as soon as possible in order to get the most out of him during the international break; else, his job could be jeopardised.

Derby County manager John Eustace might be chuckling at Ben Brereton Diaz transfer rebuff.

Though Derby hasn’t had the best start to the season, Eustace can take comfort in knowing that Brereton Diaz isn’t having the best of times with Sheffield United either.

Of course, given his summer efforts, it would be unfair to say that Eustace would turn down the opportunity to sign the Chilean right now; whether the Chilean’s rejection has harmed that relationship needs to be seen.

Eustace has had little to celebrate this season, but Brereton Diaz’s struggles could be one of them.