Leeds United-linked Ben Brereton Diaz won’t get in Daniel Farke XI after Sheffield United loan
Paul Robinson isn’t convinced that Leeds United will benefit from following up their transfer interest in Ben Brereton Diaz this summer.
The Chilean international is thought to be a potential target if the Whites secure Premier League promotion, following his loan to Sheffield United in January.
The former Blackburn striker returned to England after just half a season away at Villarreal, where he struggled in La Liga, and Robinson doesn’t believe that he would be an upgrade on what Daniel Farke currently has at his disposal at Elland Road.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News he said: “I wouldn’t say he’s prolific. He went to Villarreal and it didn’t really work. I think the stats were [20 games] and he didn’t score. Granted he didn’t start many of those.
“But if you look at his form and performances that got him that move it was one that raised a few eyebrows. I was surprised that he went out there. Clearly it didn’t work for him.
“He’s come back to a struggling Sheffield United side, they’ve got the worst defence in the Premier League and they’ve also got the worst attack in the Premier League.
“Diaz has got [two goals] since he’s come back. I wouldn’t see him as a prolific signing, he’s not one that you would get excited about I wouldn’t think.
“When you look at the Leeds side, you look at [Crysencio] Summerville, [Joel] Piroe, [Georginio] Rutter, [Willy] Gnonto, [Patrick] Bamford. Does he start ahead of any of them the way that the squad’s performing?
“He could be a good addition to the squad, but to do at the top level he’s unproven. He’s done it at Blackburn in the Championship and he’s done it on a regular basis there but he’s moved to Villarreal and since then his stats haven’t stacked up.
“Back at struggling Sheffield United he’s played wide on the left and wide on the right but not really down the middle.
“With the competition for places at Leeds he wouldn’t strike me as a player that comes in and challenges immediately for the starting XI. [There’s] better options, I really can’t see it.”
Ben Brereton Diaz not fit for Leeds United XI amid struggles after Blackburn Rovers exit
Brereton Diaz would probably be exactly the sort of player who Leeds United should be looking at if they don’t go up, given stars like Rutter and Summerville will surely leave and he has proven himself with 36 second tier strikes over the previous two campaigns.
A goal each in his first two Blades appearances in the Premier League suggested a return to form but he has since been injured and out of the side.
Assuming Daniel Farke is able to complete the task of returning the Whites back to the top flight then, given the base level of attacking quality in his squad, the German may be aiming higher in the transfer market bolster his options.
In other Leeds United news, an “explosive” development at Elland Road has handed the 49ers a new “dilemma” says Phil Hay.
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