Southampton are closing in on one signing who could help Russell Martin fill a significant void ahead of 2024/25.
The summer transfer window is heating up as clubs all over the world are preparing to get their squad’s in order for the 2024/25 calendar.
At Southampton, Russell Martin is hoping to bolster his side ahead of the Saints’ return to the Premier League, with one key position to strengthen in the market.
One player has been identified as the perfect figure for the boss to target, with the club now said to be closing in on his signature.
Transfer target Ben Brereton Diaz is the perfect replacement for Che Adams
This week, Southampton’s admiration for Ben Brereton Diaz has taken a leap, with reports now suggesting the Premier League side are close to a deal.
The Chilean spent half of the 2023/24 campaign on loan in the English top flight with Sheffield United, impressing whilst away from La Liga.
Now, journalist Jacob Tanswell has reported that Southampton are in ‘advanced talks’ over a £7m deal for the Villarreal striker, who looks likely to leave this summer.
Tanswell explained that the Saints ‘wanted’ a forward who could replace Che Adams, with a deal for Brereton Diaz in the process of ‘being finalised’.
After seeing Adams leave on a free transfer to join Torino, Martins understood that he had to replenish his options in attack, with Diaz considered the perfect candidate to replace the Scotsman for good reason.
Brereton Diaz is similar to Manchester United signing Joshua Zirkzee
Last season, Adams was instrumental in Southampton’s promotion charge as the Scotland international netted 16 goals in the Championship.
Losing the 28-year-old as a free agent was a blow however, the grass could be greener on the other side with Brereton Diaz.
Being a player able to be deployed on the wing or as a striker, the Chilean knows where the goal is, having scored six goals in only 14 Premier League appearances for the Blades last term.
Prior to the 2023/24 campaign, the 25-year-old was known for his scoring ability in England, as he directly contributed to 43 goals over the 2022/23 and 2021/22 Championship seasons.
| Joshua Zirkzee | Ben Brereton Diaz | |
| Goal-creating actions | 0.33 | 0.23 |
| Non-penalty goals | 0.29 | 0.28 |
| Shots | 2.74 | 2.71 |
| Non-penalty xG + xAssists | 0.41 | 0.45 |
| Shots on target % | 34.5% | 43.8% |
Interestingly, Saints could be getting an absolute bargain in acquiring Brereton Diaz for just £7m, as the forward is statistically comparable to Manchester United signing Joshua Zirkzee, via FBref.
Considering that United forked out £36.5m to sign Zirkzee, the duo are incredibly similar based on their numbers, telling of what the Saints could get.
It would be an outstanding piece of business for Southampton if a deal for Brereton Diaz is struck, being a player capable of providing a clinical streak, something that’s needed in the absence of Adams.