Darren Bent believes Leeds United should try to finalize a deal for Ben Brereton Diaz if they win promotion back to the Premier League this weekend.
Leeds United will hope to complete their Championship season with a victory when they take on Southampton at Wembley Stadium this Sunday for a place in the Premier League.
Following a goalless first leg, the Whites smashed Norwich City at Elland Road last Thursday evening to secure their place at football’s home stadium. Their opponents also survived a 0-0 draw against West Bromwich Albion to defeat Carlos Corberan’s team 3-1 at St Mary’s 24 hours later.
Daniel Farke will lead his side to their first Wembley Stadium encounter since losing the League One play-off final to Doncaster Rovers in 2008. The Saints return to the capital after losing the Carabao Cup final to Manchester United seven years ago.
A win for either side would guarantee an immediate return to the top division after both were relegated last season, along with Leicester City. The consequences for both sides are significant, with Leeds owners 49ers Enterprises admitting that important sales may be required if they fail to defeat Russell Martin’s side.
However, if promotion to the Premier League is secured, the Whites would face a potentially hectic summer transfer window, with a number of players already linked with a move to Elland Road. One of those candidates has been Borussia Dortmund’s Marius Wolf, who is thought to have the same agency as Georginio Rutter.
Speaking on talkSPORT this week, pundit Darren Bent feels Leeds should seek a transfer for striker Ben Brereton Diaz. The 25-year-old spent the second part of the season on loan to Sheffield United from Villarreal, where he scored six goals in 14 appearances.
The Chilean international established his name in the Championship, starting with Nottingham Forest before joining Blackburn Rovers in 2019. Brereton Diaz went on to score 47 goals in 117 games for the Lancashire club before moving to Spain, where he struggled to make an immediate impact in La Liga.
His play for the Blades has highlighted the striker’s evident qualities, with a permanent move expected this summer. And Bent believes the striker is an obvious choice not only for Leeds, but for any of the promoted sides, given his superb goal scoring record at Bramall Lane.
He stated, “I like Ben Brereton Diaz.” If I were a freshly promoted side looking to move higher, he would be one to consider because of his good movement. He got six in fourteen. Almost one in two. At Sheffield United. Come on.
“He went to Villarreal, didn’t really play, and then returned to Sheffield United. He is definitely one, whether I am in Ipswich, Leeds, or Southampton. I believe he is probably too excellent for the championship.
The 25-year-old has previously been linked with a move to the Whites. During his time at Ewood Park, Brereton Diaz was linked with a move to Leeds, but the Lancashire club wanted roughly £25 million to complete the January transfer.
