Chile International Ben Bereton Diaz has joined Sheffield United on a season-long loan deal.
The 24-year-old striker becomes Sheffield United's first signing of the transfer window and also Chris Wilder's first signing since returning for a second stint with the Blades.
Ben Brereton Diaz joined Villarreal from Blackburn Rovers on a free transfer on July 4, 2023.
Since joining Villarreal on a free transfer in the summer of 2023, Brereton Diaz has struggled to find his footing in the squad, he has failed to find the back of the net or even create an assist.
He has made 20 appearances for the Yellow Submarines, and as aforementioned, he is yet to have any significant impact on the team.
Prior to joining Villarreal, Ben Brereton Diaz represented English Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers from the 2018/19 season to the 2022/23 season, scoring 47 goals in 177 appearances with his best season being the 21/22 season where he scored 22 goals in 37 appearances for the Rovers.
Brereton Diaz speaking after his arrival to Sheffield United said: “As soon as I knew there was interest, I spoke to a few people, and we got it done quickly.
“I wasn’t really playing out there (in Spain) and was told I could go out on loan, so it is great to be over in England now at such a great club and a club I know well through playing against. I can’t wait to get started."
The 24-year-old looks forward to playing consistently in the Premier League ahead of the upcoming 2024 Copa America which is slated for this year's Summer.
“I spoke to Chris (Wilder) on the phone, and he was telling me about what the team stands for – hard work, desire and things like that.
“That’s something I enjoy, and it was something I wanted to be part of. Coming here is great for myself, playing in the Premier League is something you dream of as a young boy so that’s great for me and I just can’t wait to get started.”
Chris Wilder's side have gone through a drought of goals in the Premier League, with 15 goals in 20 matches.
Wilder also had this to say about the signing of Brereton Diaz: “He’s quick, powerful and obviously his recent goal record at Blackburn speaks for itself.
“He’s got plenty of international experience as well over the last few years, representing Chile."
He further spoke about the 24-year-old's desire to play for the basement club in the English Premier League, saying: “For me, the fact that he really wanted to come here and play in the Premier League was a big factor.
“I didn’t have to say much about Sheffield United because he knows all about us already, he’s done his homework and liked what he’d heard and what we had to say to him.”
Ben Brereton Diaz's inclusion in Sheffield United's squad now gives Chris Wilder a chance to think outside the box and try new tactics.
Diaz's versatility could come in handy for the Blades in the second half of the season, as he can function in the left-wing and also as a centre-forward.
His addition could prove pivotal in Sheffield United's bid to stay out of the relegation zone.
Meanwhile, Sheffield United return to action on Saturday, January 6, 2023, facing Gillingham in an FA cup third round tie.
The 24-year-old striker becomes Sheffield United's first signing of the transfer window and also Chris Wilder's first signing since returning for a second stint with the Blades.
Ben Brereton Diaz joined Villarreal from Blackburn Rovers on a free transfer on July 4, 2023.
Since joining Villarreal on a free transfer in the summer of 2023, Brereton Diaz has struggled to find his footing in the squad, he has failed to find the back of the net or even create an assist.
He has made 20 appearances for the Yellow Submarines, and as aforementioned, he is yet to have any significant impact on the team.
Prior to joining Villarreal, Ben Brereton Diaz represented English Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers from the 2018/19 season to the 2022/23 season, scoring 47 goals in 177 appearances with his best season being the 21/22 season where he scored 22 goals in 37 appearances for the Rovers.
Brereton Diaz speaking after his arrival to Sheffield United said: “As soon as I knew there was interest, I spoke to a few people, and we got it done quickly.
“I wasn’t really playing out there (in Spain) and was told I could go out on loan, so it is great to be over in England now at such a great club and a club I know well through playing against. I can’t wait to get started."
The 24-year-old looks forward to playing consistently in the Premier League ahead of the upcoming 2024 Copa America which is slated for this year's Summer.
“I spoke to Chris (Wilder) on the phone, and he was telling me about what the team stands for – hard work, desire and things like that.
“That’s something I enjoy, and it was something I wanted to be part of. Coming here is great for myself, playing in the Premier League is something you dream of as a young boy so that’s great for me and I just can’t wait to get started.”
Chris Wilder's side have gone through a drought of goals in the Premier League, with 15 goals in 20 matches.
Wilder also had this to say about the signing of Brereton Diaz: “He’s quick, powerful and obviously his recent goal record at Blackburn speaks for itself.
“He’s got plenty of international experience as well over the last few years, representing Chile."
He further spoke about the 24-year-old's desire to play for the basement club in the English Premier League, saying: “For me, the fact that he really wanted to come here and play in the Premier League was a big factor.
“I didn’t have to say much about Sheffield United because he knows all about us already, he’s done his homework and liked what he’d heard and what we had to say to him.”
Ben Brereton Diaz's inclusion in Sheffield United's squad now gives Chris Wilder a chance to think outside the box and try new tactics.
Diaz's versatility could come in handy for the Blades in the second half of the season, as he can function in the left-wing and also as a centre-forward.
His addition could prove pivotal in Sheffield United's bid to stay out of the relegation zone.
Meanwhile, Sheffield United return to action on Saturday, January 6, 2023, facing Gillingham in an FA cup third round tie.