Sheffield United land Ben Brereton Diaz on loan from Southampton despite Derby County and Stoke City links
Sheffield United have fended off rivals to sign a former Blade on loan from Southampton
Sheffield United have signed Ben Brereton Diaz on loan from Southampton - securing his signature for a third time.
The forward joined the Blades on loan from Villareal in January 2024 and the South Yorkshire club then borrowed him from Southampton a year later.
He spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Derby County and reports indicated the Rams were keen on a reunion.
Stoke City were also said to be interested, but Sheffield United have won the race for the 27-year-old.
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Sheffield United secure return of Chile international
The Chile international has put pen to paper on a season-long loan deal, becoming the club’s fourth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Matt Doherty, Kalvin Phillips and Romelle Donovan.
Blades boss Chris Wilder said: “Ben's a great lad, a terrific talent and he gets Sheffield United and the club's whole ethos.
“He loved his time here previously. He's got a rapport with the supporters and he's keen to reignite that again this season.
“We know what Ben can do, and he was really keen to get back here and, like one or two others we've brought in during the summer, the patience and hard work has paid off.
“Historically he brings assists and goals, he's been excellent at Blackburn, with us in Premier League and in the Championship and also last year at Derby. He's a quality addition.
“I'm delighted to be working with him again, and we'll be looking to build on what was a really successful season for him during the last campaign.”
Sheffield United in need of a spark
Sheffield United have played out goalless draws in each of their two opening league fixtures, failing to score against Birmingham City and Swansea City.
Brereton Diaz registered 10 goals in 34 outings across his first two Sheffield United spells, and Wilder will be hoping he can provide the spark that has been missing in the final third.