Russell Martin confirms selection decision over £7m signing ahead of Millwall vs Southampton

Southampton’s big-money new signing is set to face Millwall at The Den this weekend. The new season is fast-approaching, and more so for the Lions than the Saints.

Neil Harris’ men are now just over one week from kicking off their new campaign, while Southampton have an extra week until they begin their new season. Saturday should be an interesting test for both clubs as they look to sharpen up, while Harris and Russell Martin will both be deciding on their starting XIs for the new season at this point.

One player fighting for a starting spot at Southampton is new signing Ben Brereton-Diaz, who joined from Villarreal on a deal worth around £7million. The Chile international joined the Yellow Submarine on a free transfer last summer, but he struggled to fit in under as many as three managers, none of which took a liking to him.

Brereton-Diaz was sent on loan to Sheffield United in January, scoring an impressive six league goals in 14 league games, and he managed to reclaim his form despite his struggles at Villarreal and his Chile national team coach calling him out for his lack of progress in learning Spanish.

The 25-year-old is now set for a fresh start with newly promoted Southampton, and his first appearance looks set to come against Millwall this weekend. Saints boss Martin has told the Daily Echo: “He will play Saturday. I don't know how long for, but he will play. We have been assessing where he is at physically because he has had a bit of a break after the Copa America.

"Then assessing what is best for him with the sports science and medical team. We will sit down and have a discussion with him as well to see what he thinks. But he has got a bit of information to take on first, so hopefully he will be involved Saturday. I don't know how long for, and we will build him up from there."

Asked about Brereton-Diaz’s best position, Martin added: “I think he'll play both. Off right, left or as a number nine, It doesn't really matter. A bit like Arma, he's really flexible. (He's a) Good personality. Good athlete. Good character. Good record. Good experience. I'm really, really excited to have him in."