Ex-Blackburn Rovers man Mick Rathbone believes former Nottingham Forest striker Brereton could be worth £40m, despite no Championship goals this season.
Nottingham Forest are set for a £7 million windfall when the January transfer window opens with Blackburn Rovers committed to turning Ben Brereton’s loan deal into a permanent transfer in the New Year.
Considering that the teenage striker hasn’t scored in nine games for Rovers, and has failed to start a single game either, it seems that few Forest fans will be bemoaning the decision to sell the academy graduate as things stand.
Though Brereton’s lack of goals has not stopped former Blackburn ace Mick Rathbone from making a rather bold claim about the 19-year-old’s future transfer value.
“The way football is now, if Ben plays to his potential then he could be worth £30m or £40m,” Rathbone told the Lancashire Telegraph.
While Brereton has been far from a flop at Ewood Park, his speed and directness making him a useful impact sub for manager Tony Mowbray, it’s fair to say he has a long way to go before he becomes the most expensive export in Championship history.
Nottingham Forest fans, meanwhile, know Brereton better than anyone; his strengths, weaknesses and potential. And the prospect of the England youth star moving for £40 million is something they simply cannot envisage. At least not right now anyway.
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