Official: Boulaye Dia completes Rennes move in Ligue 1 return

Senegal striker joins Stade Rennais on paid loan with obligation to buy

Boulaye Dia has officially joined Stade Rennais after the French club completed a paid loan for the Senegal international in the final hours of the summer transfer window.

Rennes will pay €2 million for the loan, which includes an obligation to buy for €8 million, bringing the striker back to Ligue 1 after several years playing abroad.

The move sees Dia return to French football after leaving Reims for Villarreal in 2021.

Since his departure from Ligue 1, the Senegalese striker has also played for Salernitana and Lazio before completing his move to Rennes.

Dia arrives to fill Embolo’s vacancy

Rennes have brought in Dia as they look to replace the attacking presence left by Breel Embolo following his departure for MLS.

The Senegal international is now expected to play an important role in the club’s squad after completing his return to France.

Dia arrives with experience of playing in several European leagues and major competitions, something Rennes will hope can strengthen their attacking options.

Despite joining late in the transfer window, the striker believes the experience he has gained during his career can help his new team.

“I’m very happy to be back in Ligue 1, a league I’ve continued to follow. It’s a great satisfaction to now be part of Stade Rennais’ ambitious project. I came here to serve the team. Despite starting late, I’ve gained a lot of experience through several major international competitions. I hope that will benefit the group,” the player said.

Dia returns after four years abroad

The move to Rennes marks a return to the league where Dia established himself before beginning his career outside France.

After leaving Reims in 2021, the striker continued his career in Spain and Italy, representing Villarreal, Salernitana and Lazio.

His latest move brings him back to Ligue 1, where he will now begin a new chapter with Stade Rennais.

Rennes also highlighted the striker’s international and European experience when announcing the transfer.

Rennes welcome experienced international

Arnaud Pouille, Executive Chairman and CEO of Stade Rennais, welcomed the arrival of Dia and emphasised the experience the club believes he will bring to the squad.

“We are delighted to close the transfer window with an experienced international player. With Boulaye, who has 168 appearances in Spain and Italy, we welcome a player who has played abroad and in major European competitions in addition to Ligue 1. His profile will allow us to stimulate competition and complement the qualities already present in the squad. Like all those who have joined us this summer, I am sure Boulaye will integrate very well into his new dressing room.”

The club sees Dia’s background in Spain and Italy, alongside his previous Ligue 1 experience, as an addition that can strengthen competition within the squad.

His arrival also gives Rennes another attacking option following Embolo’s move to MLS.

Dia begins new chapter with Rennes

The transfer was completed in the closing stages of the French summer transfer window, with Rennes securing the striker on an initial €2 million loan.

The agreement also contains an €8 million obligation to buy, meaning Dia’s move could become permanent under the terms of the deal.

For the Senegal international, the transfer represents a return to Ligue 1 after four years away from the French top flight.

For Rennes, it provides an experienced international forward as the club continues its plans for the season.