Sheffield United have moved a step closer to completing the signing of Ben Brereton-Diaz tonight.
The Chile striker is said to be on his way over to England to complete the formalities of a six-month loan deal with United.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the news tonight via his social media account.
It means United have taken just a matter of days to kick off their incomings for January and while some might turn their nose up at Brereton-Diaz, it’s actually a huge bit of news for the Blades.
Brereton-Diaz to Sheffield United is massive for Chris Wilder
The Blades boss has spoken outwardly about the need to make quick and sharp decisions in this window.
He’s also spoken of a need to have the backing of the board to an extent and ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to the window.
Right now, it looks like we’re getting that. And Brereton-Diaz being announced by Romano tonight should be treated as a huge win by Blades fans.
Sure, there’s the argument there that he hasn’t scored a goal this season in La Liga. But a quick look under the hood will show you he’s only started two games, with the rest of his appearances coming off the bench.
Brereton-Diaz proved he can score goals with Blackburn. 24 in 21/22 and then 14 in 22/23 are not numbers to be sniffed at. There was a reason Premier League clubs wanted him before he went to Spain.
Sheffield United, then, should be delighted this one is over the line.
An upgrade in the attack
There’ll be plenty who view the signing of Brereton-Diaz as the answer in the number nine position.
But those who watched him at Blackburn Rovers will attest to the fact he might actually be better utilised in a wider position. At Rovers, Brereton-Diaz often excelled coming in off the left and it’s that what should intrigue Blades fans.
So far, we’ve seen Cameron Archer occupy that sort of role under Wilder. However, this signing gives Wilder the chance to get Archer down the middle or even playing off of Oli McBurnie as the focal point.
With Brereton-Diaz and James McAtee slightly wider of those two, it suddenly gives United an attack that looks capable at Premier League level of at least causing trouble.
And ultimately, that’s what it’s all about for Chris Wilder this window. He needs additions who bring something to the starting XI. Brereton-Diaz does that.
His signing, then, should be greeted with open arms by Blades fans and the fact we are just three days into the window suggests this is going to be busy one for the club.