Southampton swoop for Chile striker Brereton Díaz

Southampton have bolstered their forward line ahead of their return to the Premier League by signing Chile international Ben Brereton Díaz from Villarreal.

The 25-year-old, who was born in Stoke and qualifies for Chile through his mother, has penned a four-year deal at St Mary’s for a fee reported to be in the region of £7million.

Brereton Díaz came through at Nottingham Forest but made his name at Blackburn Rovers, scoring 47 goals in 177 appearances alongside current Saints striker Adam Armstrong. Thirty-eight of those came in his last two seasons at Ewood Park, a record that earned him a move to Villarreal last summer.

He struggled for game time in La Liga but a loan switch to Premier League strugglers Sheffield United in January proved more profitable as he scored six goals in 14 top-flight games.

What has Brereton Díaz had to say?

Brereton Díaz told the club’s official website: “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.”

Buen día, @benbreo 👋

We’re delighted to announce the signing of Ben Brereton Díaz on a four-year contract from @VillarrealCF:

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) July 30, 2024

Martin delighted with his new striker

Saints boss Russell Martin added: “I’m really delighted to welcome Ben to the group. He’s a versatile and intelligent footballer, capable of playing in a number of positions across the forward line.

“He is a strong, powerful runner and a confident finisher with a good goalscoring record, including last season’s spell in the Premier League in which he adapted to the level extremely quickly.

“He is a proper team player and the sort of hard-working, hungry character we want in our squad. His athleticism and physicality makes him a great fit for the Premier League, and we think he has all the tools to add to our attacking options.”

Brereton Díaz was the second signing of the day for Southampton following an earlier move for Japanese midfielder Kuryu Matsuki.

The 21-year-old joins from FC Tokyo and will spend next season on loan at Goztepe in Turkey.