Brereton Diaz is ‘versatile and intelligent’

Ben Brereton Diaz says “everything has aligned” for him to join Southampton, while manager Russell Martin feels the club have acquired a “versatile and intelligent footballer”.

The 25-year-old striker has signed on a four-year-contract from Villarreal for a fee believed to be around £7m.

Brereton Diaz came through the Nottingham Forest academy before joining Blackburn Rovers in 2018, scoring 47 times in 177 appearances over a five-year spell.

He moved to Villarreal last summer before joining Sheffield United in January where he scored six goals in 14 Premier League appearances.

“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,” Brereton Diaz said.

“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.”

Saints boss Russell Martin added: “Im 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.”