Southampton Secure Signing of Ben Brereton Diaz from Villarreal
Southampton Secure Signing of Ben Brereton Diaz from Villarreal
Ben Brereton Diaz #22 of Chile runs on to a pass during a game between Canada and Chile at Inter&Co Stadium on June 29, 2024 in Orlando, Florida(Image- Getty)
Southampton Football Club has announced the signing of Chile international Ben Brereton Diaz from Villarreal on a four-year contract. The 25-year-old forward joins the Saints after a successful loan spell at Sheffield United last season, where he scored six goals in 14 Premier League appearances.
Background and Career
Born on April 18, 1999, in Stoke-on-Trent, Brereton Diaz qualifies to play for Chile through his mother. He played at youth level for Manchester United and Stoke City before moving to Nottingham Forest. He made his senior debut in 2017 and later joined Blackburn Rovers, where he spent four successful seasons, scoring 45 goals in 144 league appearances.
Playing Style and Fit
Manager Russell Martin described Brereton Diaz as "a versatile and intelligent footballer, capable of playing in a number of positions across the forward line." He praised the striker's athleticism, physicality, and goalscoring record, stating that he is a "proper team player" who will add to the team's attacking options.
Southampton's Transfer Activity
Brereton Diaz becomes the club's 10th senior signing this summer, following the arrivals of Adam Lallana, Rento Takaoka, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Charlie Taylor, Ronnie Edwards, Nathan Wood, Yukinari Sugawara, Flynn Downes, and Kuryu Matsuki.
Upcoming Fixtures
Southampton continues their pre-season preparations at Oxford United on July 31. They begin their Premier League campaign with a trip to Newcastle United on August 17.
