ITV pundit raves about Ben Brereton Diaz as fresh West Ham United transfer speculation surfaces
Ben Brereton Diaz netted a last-gasp equaliser against West Ham on Wednesday night before Blackburn went on to knock the Hammers out of the EFL Cup on penalties.
Despite a frustrating performance at the London Stadium, it looked as though West Ham were going to sneak through to the last 16 in the Carabao Cup thanks to Michail Antonio’s goal on Wednesday night.
However, Brereton Diaz was brought on by Blackburn Rovers manager Jon Dahl Tomasson in the second half, and the 23-year-old drew his side level in the 88th minute. Rovers went on to win 10-9 in the penalty shootout.
The Chilean striker has been linked with a move to the London Stadium, with 90Min reporting that the Hammers are among a host of clubs scouting him in the Championship.
Former Premier League striker Glenn Murray is confident that Brereton Diaz would be a great fit in the Premier League – when asked on ITV (9 November, 28:38) whether he could cut it in the top flight he replied: “Without doubt. He’s very well-documented.
“He’s on a lot of Premier League clubs’ radars and they’ll have liked seeing him up against Premier League opposition tonight and coming off the bench like that shows he’s the real deal.
“He’s cracked the Championship, he’s confident and knows he can score at that level. It’s about the next step now.”
Firepower
Brereton Diaz gave West Ham a front-seat view of what he can do on Wednesday night. He’s been one of – if not the best – striker in the Championship over the last year after scoring 22 goals last season and nine in 20 matches this season.
At such a young age, there’s no doubt that Brereton Diaz will soon end up in the Premier League, and it’d be a smart move for West Ham to seal his signature before others start circling.
Antonio and Gianluca Scamacca are currently sharing striking duties in east London, but the former is 32 years old and will soon need replacing.
Scamacca will no doubt be a long-term solution up front for the Hammers, but Moyes will definitely want competition and depth, and Diaz can definitely provide that while settling into the Premier League.
As per 90Min, Diaz’ contract at Ewood Park is up at the end of the season, so Blackburn could be tempted to take a cut price in January to avoid him leaving for free in the summer.
If that opportunity arises, expect West Ham to be first in line.