Southampton have announced the signing of Ben Brereton Diaz from Villarreal CF on a four-year deal.
Brereton Diaz came through the ranks at Nottingham Forest and was named LFE Championship Apprentice of the Season in 2017 before moving to Blackburn Rovers on loan in 2018. Following a successful loan spell, the former apprentice made a permanent switch to Ewood Park where he became a fan favourite.
The 25-year-old rose to stardom in 2021 when he was called up to the Chilean national team, despite having represented England at multiple age groups already. Brereton Diaz qualified to be play for Chile through his mother, and has scored seven goals in 33 appearances for La Roja.
The Stoke born forward joined Villarreal on a free transfer last summer following the expiry of his Blackburn Rovers contract, but struggled to settle in La Liga. He joined Sheffield United on loan in January and scored an impressive six goals in 14 Premier League outings.
After putting pen-to-paper at St Marys, Brereton Diaz said: “I’m absolutely buzzing. 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.
“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.”
