New Sheffield United striker Ben Brereton Diaz has revealed what Chris Wilder told the Chile international to now secure his transfer from Villarreal on loan until the summer.
The 24-year-old joined the Blades for the rest of the 2023/24 season on Friday morning. He is Wilder’s first signing since returning to manage the Bramall Lane natives in December. The attacker had also only signed for Villarreal in a free transfer from Blackburn Rovers last July.
Villarreal have let Brereton Diaz depart the Estadio de la Ceramica after just six months after struggling to nail down a spot. Through 14 La Liga appearances, he only started two fixtures and played just 259 minutes. The striker also failed to net a single goal in Spain’s top-flight.
Sheffield United sign Ben Brereton Diaz on loan from Villarreal
Brereton Diaz featured a total of 20 times across all competitions after switching to Villarreal as a free agent. Yet he failed to score or lay on any assists, despite emerging as one of the top goalscorers in the Championship with Blackburn. He hit 14 in 43 games during 2022/23.
Wilder has landed a versatile threat for Sheffield United’s frontline by signing Brereton Diaz on loan from Villarreal, following interest alongside Sunderland winger Jack Clarke that HITC Football exclusively reported along with their desire to sign Brereton Diaz. The Chilean can play as a striker or a left-sided winger.
What did Chris Wilder tell Ben Brereton Diaz to seal his transfer?
Brereton Diaz offered Blackburn Rovers 11 of his 14 goals across 43 Championship games in 2022/23 as a left-winger. He also scored 13 of 22 goals in 37 games in 2021/22 while playing as a striker. But the main things Wilder said about Sheffield United impressed Brereton Diaz.
The 27-cap international has explained after signing on loan for Sheffield United that Wilder told Brereton Diaz the key aspects that his Blades side stands for. Wilder’s clear message hit the right notes with the Chilean, as well. So, Brereton wanted to be a part of Wilder’s vision.
“I spoke to Chris on the phone and he was telling me about what the team stands for – hard work, desire and things like that,” Brereton Diaz told Sheffield United’s club website. “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.”
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