Southampton have announced the signing of Ben Brereton Diaz from La Liga side Villarreal.
The 25-year-old started his professional career at Nottingham Forest, breaking through into the first team at the City Ground while the Tricky Trees were in the Championship.
Following a promising loan spell at Blackburn Rovers, Brereton Diaz made the permanent switch to Ewood Park during the January transfer window of 2019.
The striker transformed into a talismanic figure for the Lancashire club, netting 36 Championship goals during his last two campaigns at Rovers before signing for Villarreal.
Brereton Diaz struggled to nail a spot down for the Yellow Submarine and was loaned out to top-flight strugglers Sheffield United for the second half of the 2023-24 term.
Buen día, @benbreo 👋
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) July 30, 2024
We're delighted to announce the signing of Ben Brereton Díaz on a four-year contract from @VillarrealCF:
"I'm absolutely buzzing" - Brereton Diaz excited for another Premier League opportunity
On Tuesday afternoon, Southampton confirmed the permanent arrival of Brereton Diaz from Villarreal, with the attacker agreeing to a bumper four-year contract on the South coast.
It is understood that the Saints have paid £7m for the 25-year-old, who netted six Premier League goals in just 14 matches during his loan stint at Bramall Lane at the end of last term.
Speaking to Southampton's official website, Brereton Diaz said: "I am absolutely buzzing. It has been smooth these past couple of days, and I am happy to get everything sorted and signed.
"I am really excited to meet everyone, it is 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 is an amazing club. I cannot wait to get started."
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Adams replacement secured
It has been a busy summer in the striking department at Southampton, with a number of incomings and outgoings that are set to have a major impact on the club's ability to retain their Premier League status.
Headlining in the Championship during 2023-24 and finishing behind only Sammie Szmodics in the division's Golden Boot race, Adam Armstrong is an integral part of the Saints' forward line and recently signed a new three-year deal.
Scotland international Che Adams was offered fresh terms but opted to reject the advances of the Saints, before moving to Serie A outfit Torino on a free transfer.
As shown during his brief spell at Chris Wilder's Sheffield United, Brereton Diaz has the ability to have a real impact on the Premier League, possibly more so than Adams, who has previously struggled to find the net regularly in the top flight.
