Burnley rival could stop Vincent Kompany from obtaining target in January transfer 

Ben Brereton-Diaz’s summer transfer from Blackburn Rovers to Villarreal is most likely a success story for both the player and his new team.

Brereton-Diaz left Blackburn during the summer after his contract at Ewood Park expired at the end of the previous campaign. He traveled to Spain to sign a free transfer with Villarreal.

The Chile international will undoubtedly have been hoping to continue that form after moving to La Liga. During a five-year stay with the Championship club, he scored 47 goals in 177 appearances across all competitions, including 38 goals in his last two seasons.

However, Brereton-Diaz has had a difficult time adjusting to his new environment thus far, much like he did in the beginning of his stay at Ewood Park.

The attacker has made ten appearances for Villarreal in all competitions so far, but he has not assisted on a single goal or scored a goal. He has also been booked twice.

Because of this, the 24-year-old has only made one start in La Liga since August. Based on this, it appears that Brereton-Diaz may be moving again when the transfer window reopens in January.

Is Brereton-Diaz planning to go back to England in January?

Since Brereton-Diaz’s situation in Spain isn’t working right now, it appears that several English clubs are taking notice of him as the focus shifts to the January transfer window.

Recent TEAMTalk reports state that West Brom, Southampton, and Leicester City, Blackburn’s Championship rivals, are all keeping an eye on the Chilean international in anticipation of a possible transfer when the market reopens.

But, there’s also a chance that Brereton-Diaz will have the opportunity to join the Premier League at that point. Burnley and Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in signing the 24-year-old, who may be permitted to go on loan.

With just four points from their 11 league games this season, Vincent Kompany’s team currently sits 19th in the top flight table, meaning Burnley—who were promoted from the Championship last season—may need to bolster their lineup in January.

Nevertheless, there is a compelling case to be made that, considering Brereton-Diaz’s professional background, it seems doubtful that he will be the one bolstering the team at Turf Moor in January.

In the January window, why might Burnley find it difficult to sign Brereton-Diaz?

One of the fiercest and most bitter rivalries in English football has grown over the years between Blackburn and Burnley in the East Lancashire derby.

On the field, matches between the two teams are always fiercely competitive, and the fan bases inside and outside the stadium are always friendly.

Because of the relationship the striker has developed with Blackburn—having recently left the club after spending more than five years at Ewood Park—he might be hesitant to cross the divide so soon after leaving one side of it.

Brereton-Diaz may be reluctant to move here because it would undoubtedly not sit well with the supporters who have supported him for such a long time. After all, he played in both of the clubs’ matches last season, so he should be well aware of how much this rivalry means to both clubs.

Another argument would be that, considering his history with Blackburn, Burnley supporters would have even more reason to criticize him if he moved to Turf Moor and failed to turn around the difficult run of form he is currently experiencing with Villarreal. This would expose him to more scrutiny and criticism than he might at another club.

If he were to decline a transfer to Burnley, however, he wouldn’t be totally writing off his chances of making it to the Premier League because Crystal Palace also seems interested in him.

On the other hand, a move to Selhurst Park appears to have the potential to be more fruitful and pleasurable for Brereton-Diaz, as the Eagles are currently 11th in the Premier League table, 11 points ahead of Burnley.

Considering all of that, it might not come as a huge surprise if Brereton-Diaz leaves Villarreal in January, but given his affiliation with Blackburn, it would be surprising if Burnley ended up being his next stop.