Ben Brereton Diaz: Chile striker joins Sheffield United on loan from Villarreal

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Ben Brereton Diaz scored 47 goals in 177 appearances across a five-season spell at Blackburn

Sheffield United have signed Villarreal striker Ben Brereton Diaz on loan for the rest of the 2023-24 season.

Brereton Diaz, 24, is Chris Wilder's first addition to the squad since returning to manage the club for a second spell in December.

"As soon as I knew there was interest, I spoke to a few people, and we got it done quickly," Brereton Diaz said.

The Chile international left Blackburn for Villarreal when his contract at Ewood Park expired last summer.

He said of his switch to the Premier League: "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."

Brereton Diaz has not scored in his 20 games to date for Villarreal, but he was a talisman for Blackburn and netted 22 times in 37 league appearances during the 2021-22 campaign.

Providing international clearance is achieved, Stoke-born Brereton Diaz could make his debut in Saturday's FA Cup third-round tie at Gillingham (15:00 GMT).

Sheffield United have scored a Premier League low 15 goals in 2023-24 and sit bottom of the standings.

Image source, ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Sport

Image source, ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Sport