Southampton is on the verge of finalizing a £7 million transfer for forward Ben Brereton Diaz from Villarreal. The 25-year-old Chilean international is expected to conclude his brief stint in Spain and join the Premier League side. Brereton Diaz’s tenure at Villarreal began last summer after he departed Blackburn Rovers, where he spent five years. However, his time with the Yellow Submarine has been challenging. He failed to find the net in 20 appearances, starting only six of those games.
Loan Spell at Sheffield United
In January, Brereton Diaz was loaned to Sheffield United, where he managed to score six goals in 14 Premier League matches. Despite his contributions, the Blades were relegated from the top tier. This performance showcased his potential, but it wasn’t enough to save Sheffield United from the drop. His ability to adapt and score in the Premier League, even under difficult circumstances, has likely contributed to Southampton’s interest in acquiring his services.
Southampton’s Transfer Activity
Southampton, recently promoted back to the Premier League after winning the Championship play-offs, has been active in the transfer market following the departure of Che Adams to Torino on a free transfer. The club has been in search of a forward to fill the void left by Adams. In addition to pursuing Brereton Diaz, Southampton has secured agreements to sign Sao Paulo forward Juan and left-back Wellington, who will join when their contracts end in January 2025.
International Experience and Future Prospects
Brereton Diaz also participated in Chile’s Copa America campaign last month, playing in all three matches as La Roja finished third in Group A, behind Argentina and Canada. This international experience adds to his profile as he prepares to make a fresh start at St. Mary’s. His move to Southampton represents an opportunity to revitalize his career and make a significant impact in the Premier League. With the backing of the club’s recent promotion success and new signings, Brereton Diaz will be looking to establish himself as a key player in Southampton’s quest for Premier League stability and success.
