Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray has stated that he is hoping that in-demand Ben Brereton can return to Ewood Park and make an impact for them next term.
Brereton has been one of the major stories of this summer’s Copa America and he had been starring for Chile scoring one goal and providing one assist in his five appearances before their exit to Brazil.
It has been reported that Leeds United are interested in making a move for Brereton this summer and that they have sent scouts to watch him at the Copa America.
That comes with it being believed that Marcelo Bielsa is an admirer of the attacker and has been for a while now.
The 22-year-old is entering into the final year of his current deal with Blackburn, but it has been reported by Lancashire Live that Rovers are in contact with his representatives over the possibility of him signing a new deal.
Mowbray has now been speaking to Blackburn’s official website about Brereton and he suggested that he hopes that the attacker can come back from the Copa America after his performances with Chile and have a major impact next term at Ewood Park.
He said: “I feel that the signs were there last season with Ben. As you could see from the number of appearances he made, he works extremely hard for the team, he has talent, he can dribble off both feet, he’s very positive and he brings a level of physicality with his size.
“I think there are still growth areas for the man to come out even more – to be more physical in confrontation with other players, to stand his ground and be stronger, but I think Ben Brereton, the player that we signed two-and-a-half years ago, is ready to explode on the scene.
“Hopefully he comes back to Blackburn Rovers with confidence of doing well for the Chile national team and having enjoyed the environment of playing against and with such great players.
“He can learn from these top players and from a different coach, a national team coach, and hopefully he brings those qualities back and helps us on the pitch.
“So for us, we’re very happy for Ben. He’s a good human being, an honest hard-working guy and I’m just delighted that he’s enjoying his football and doing well.”
The Verdict
From these comments, it sounds like Blackburn are not planning to allow Brereton to leave the club this summer or expecting him to leave amid the interest from Leeds.
That is a major positive for Rovers because he could be set to have an excellent campaign for Mowbray’s side judging by the form he has been showing for Chile at the Copa America.
You can see why Leeds would maybe want to sign him from Blackburn and he very much fits in with their recruitment model and would be someone that Bielsa could improve on the training ground for sure.
However, Blackburn might already be set to lose Adam Armstrong this summer, so Brereton staying is going to be crucial to their hopes for next term.
The 22-year-old has shown flashes of his ability for Blackburn so far since arriving in a big-money move from Nottingham Forest. However, he seems to have matured a little more now and he could be ready to make a major impression in the Championship if he remains at Ewood Park.