Everton were linked to a number of forwards in the summer. Ben Brereton Diaz was a name that revolved a lot around the fans’ ears as the Toffees were genuinely interested in the Blackburn Rovers striker.
Given Everton’s lack of incisiveness and underwhelming attacking output, murmurs have begun over signing another attacker in the January transfer window. If the attack continues to struggle to get goals and remains toothless, these murmurs will become screams.
Brereton Diaz was a summer transfer target and Everton did even have initial talks. Blackburn were looking to tie him down to a new deal as his contract expires this summer but there was no progress being made. The Championship side slapped a £15 million price tag on the Chilean which no side was willing to meet.
Everton continues to track the Chilean forward. The Toffees sent scouts to watch Brereton Diaz in Blackburn’s game against Wigan Athletic. Along with Everton, Spanish sides Sevilla and Real Sociedad have also shown interest in signing Brereton Diaz. Serie A champions AC Milan also want to sign him on a free transfer in January 2023 and will have the freedom to negotiate a pre-contract on January 1st, should the player not sign a new deal with the Rovers.
Sevilla lead the race to sign Everton target Ben Brereton Diaz
Everton will not have that privilege and will have to wrap up the signing in January itself or wait until he becomes a free agent. However, it is Sevilla who are currently leading the chase. According to Football Insider, Sevilla are in pole position to bring Brereton Diaz to Spain in January.
Everton, Leeds United and Fulham have had failed attempts in the summer to sign the 23 year old and as things stand, Sevilla will be able to beat the competition to sign Brereton Diaz in the winter transfer window. Blackburn are open to listening to offers for the striker as they want to avoid losing him on a free transfer next summer.
At this point, it seems very clear that a new contract is not going to be signed and Brereton Diaz will be looking to leave the Championship club either in January or next summer as a free agent. Sevillistas Rojiblancos want to make Brereton Diaz the centre piece of the rebuilding project and manager Jorge Sampaoli admires the Chilean.
The Chilean manager has had good feedback from Diaz’s teammates in the national team and is convinced that the player can be a good fit for Sevilla. As far as Everton go, they have seen their offers being rejected in the summer and if they are to stand a chance to sign Diaz, they will have to match Sevilla’s offer.
The Merseysiders need an attacker who can produce goals and can be relied on in the final third. Brereton Diaz might be an effective solution to look at.
Will Everton sign Ben Brereton Diaz in January?