Leeds United could make a shock move to sign Villarreal and Chile striker Ben Brereton Diaz ahead of January, with the forward’s move to Spain yet to click into gear since his move in the summer.
That is according to transfer expert Ben Jacobs, who has told Give Me Sport that the 24-year-old could be one to watch for us next month. Brereton Diaz scored 38 goals in the last two seasons for Blackburn.
His form for Blackburn, and his goals for Chile at National Team level, convinced Villarreal to make their move. The striker has since struggled in La Liga, failing to score in 15 games – starting only five of those.
Of course, Brereton Diaz went to Villarreal on a free and it might be that once he gets one goal, he will hold onto a starting spot and grow into the La Liga side. But, with January approaching, he could go.
Team Talk claimed that Villarreal could give the green light ahead of a possible loan. Premier League sides Burnley and Palace are keen, while Southampton, West Brom and Leicester are also interested.
Leeds could make shock January move for Ben Brereton Diaz
The Daily Mail have said in the past that Victor Orta sent scouts to watch him play for Chile in 2022. Now, Leeds could make the surprise move to sign him – even after his move to Villarreal, Jacobs says.
The transfer expert does not go as far as saying Leeds are interested in Brereton Diaz, but does say that he is one to watch for Leeds going into January. Leeds have options up top, but that could all change.
“One name to watch with Leeds, which I didn’t think I would be talking about in 2024 but could still be possible, is Brereton Diaz. He is a long-standing Leeds target. Not entirely worked out at Villarreal so far.
“It’s been a difficult spell for him. Mid-season, by all accounts, he wants to stick it out. But, obviously, if we get to the end of the season and it’s still not working, there might be an opportunity,” Jacobs said.
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