Southampton have signed Chilean international striker Ben Brereton Diaz for a deal believed to be worth around £7 million ($9 million).
Brereton Diaz has signed a four-year contract with the 2023/24 Championship play-off winners ahead of their return to the top flight.
The 25-year-old came through the academy ranks at Nottingham Forest before enjoying his career breakthrough at Blackburn Rovers, where he scored 38 times in his final two seasons with the Championship club.
This form charted an unlikely path to the international stage for the Stoke-on-Trent-born striker, who qualifies for Chile through his mother.
All the latest Premier League club news | Premier League team fixtures for 2024/25 | Latest Premier League top scorer rankings
Brereton Díaz scored the first of seven international goals in his second appearance for Chile, scoring decisively to secure a 1-0 victory over Bolivia in the 2021 Copa América.
These exploits caught the eye of Villarreal, although a move to La Liga last summer did not work out, with Brereton Díaz failing to score in 20 games for his new club. Only six of those games were as a starter.
He joined Sheffield United on loan for the second half of last season and restored some form for the relegation-doomed Blades, scoring six times in 14 games.
“I had the opportunity to play at Sheffield United last season and it was great for me – it was my first time in the Premier League and I enjoyed every minute of it, playing on the biggest stage,” said Brereton Diaz.
“As soon as those six months were up, I knew for sure that I wanted to come back to England. I really wanted to do it and I’m happy that this great club has decided to sign me, so I’m very excited.”
Southampton manager Russell Martin added: “Ben is a versatile and intelligent footballer, capable of playing in a number of forward positions.
“He is a strong, powerful runner and a confident finisher with a good goalscoring record, including his time in the Premier League last season, where he adapted to the level extremely quickly.
“He is a competent team player and the type of hard-working, hungry inpidual we want in our squad. His athleticism and physicality make him an ideal Premier League player, and we believe he has all the tools to add to our attacking options.”
Brereton Diaz was the second player to arrive at St Mary’s on a busy Tuesday. Kuryu Matsuki joined on a four-year contract from FC Tokyo. The Japanese Under-23 midfielder will spend next season on loan at Turkish Super Lig club Goztepe.
