Ben Brereton Diaz seals Premier League transfer following nightmare six months since leaving Blackburn
FORMER Blackburn Rovers star Ben Brereton Diaz has sealed a loan move to Sheffield United.
The Chile striker was snapped up by Chris Wilder’s relegation fighters just six months after a free transfer to Spanish giants Villarreal.
Brereton Diaz, 24, failed to score in 12 matches for his new club.
And he is now back in England after previously starring at Blackburn.
The 27-time Chile international netted 47 goals in 176 games for Rovers.
But he opted against signing a new deal last term, allowing him to join Villarreal for nothing.
The Spaniards are having an awful season by their standards and sit 13th in LaLiga with just five wins from 19 games.
However, Brereton Diaz’s new club are in an even more precarious position.
Sheffield United are rooted to the foot Premier League table after two wins in 20 outings, and have already sacked a manager in Paul Heckingbottom.
But Brereton Diaz is confident he can find the goals to help the Blades beat the drop.
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He 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.
“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.”
Ben showed a real appetite and enthusiasm for the challenge ahead, and that was key for me
Chris Wilder
New boss Wilder added: “Ben was a coveted player so we’re delighted to have brought him to the club.
“We all know about him from his days at Blackburn. 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. He’s got plenty of international experience as well over the last few years, representing Chile.
“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.
“Bringing players to this club, first and foremost they need to want to be here, and Ben showed a real appetite and enthusiasm for the challenge ahead, and that was key for me.
“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.”