Sheffield United have confirmed the signing of Villarreal striker Ben Brereton Diaz, with the Chile international arriving on loan until the end of the season.
Brereton Diaz has made the move to Bramall Lane after struggling for regular gametime in LaLiga, only making two league starts and playing just 270 minutes in total since joining Villarreal on a free transfer last July.
The 24-year-old previously made his name in the Championship with Blackburn Rovers, netting 22 times for the club in 2021-22 before hitting 16 goals in his last season in England.
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Pending international clearance, Brereton Diaz could make his Blades debut at Gillingham in the FA Cup third round on Saturday, and boss Chris Wilder believes his arrival could provide a major boost to their hopes of Premier League survival.
“Ben was a coveted player so we’re delighted to have brought him to the club,” Wilder told the club’s website. “We all know about him from his days at Blackburn.
Welcome, Ben. ????????
Ben Brereton DÃaz signs on loan from Villarreal CF until the end of the season.
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) January 5, 2024
“He’s a versatile operator at the top of the pitch, who gives us options in terms of playing off the side or playing through the middle. He’s quick, powerful and obviously his recent goal record at Blackburn speaks for itself.
“For me, the fact that he really wanted to come here and play in the Premier League was a big factor.
“He’s excited about playing for this club and I have no doubt this is a signing which will be a major help to us in the second part of this season.”
Sheffield United are next in Premier League action on January 21, when they welcome in-form West Ham to Bramall Lane.
