Southampton Confirms Signing Ben Brereton Diaz From Villarreal For £7 Million

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Southampton have confirmed the acquisition of Ben Brereton Diaz from Villarreal for an estimated fee of £7 million. The 25-year-old forward has signed a four-year deal with the Saints, marking a new chapter in his career after a challenging stint in Spain.

Brereton Diaz struggled at Villarreal, failing to score in his first 20 matches following his free transfer from Blackburn Rovers last year. However, he found form during a loan spell at Sheffield United, netting six goals in 14 Premier League appearances.

The Chilean international played in all three of Chile's Copa America fixtures last month. His performance at Bramall Lane was notable, as he recorded the second-highest expected goals (xG) in the Blades' squad with a total of 6.07, only trailing behind Oli McBurnie who had 6.89 xG from seven more games.

Southampton were actively seeking attacking options after Che Adams moved to Torino last week. Adams left the club with a record of 48 goals and 20 assists across 191 appearances for the Saints.

"I'm absolutely buzzing," Brereton Diaz expressed. "It's been smooth these past couple of days, and I'm happy to get everything sorted and signed. I'm really excited to meet everyone; it's great to be involved with this great club."

He added, "Watching the club when I was younger, it was always in the Premier League. Obviously last season, the way the team played, they went down but they bounced straight back up as a team. Also the gaffer as well—everything has aligned together, and I think it's an amazing club. I can't wait to get started."

Russell Martin's Transfer Window Activity

Brereton Diaz is Russell Martin's eighth signing this transfer window. Other new arrivals include Adam Lallana, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Charlie Taylor, Ronnie Edwards, Nathan Wood, Yukinari Sugawara and Flynn Downes.

The addition of Brereton Diaz aims to bolster Southampton's attacking options as they prepare for the upcoming season. Fans are hopeful that his previous Premier League experience will translate into success at St. Mary's.

Our South American on the South Coast pic.twitter.com/ImhyU7FGX9

@SouthamptonFC July 30, 2024