Boulaye Dia, the 27-year-old Senegalese international striker, is navigating a complex winter marked by injury concerns, national team duties, and swirling transfer rumors. The forward, whose rapport with Salernitana’s leadership has reportedly soured, is now linked with a potential move to AC Milan.
Having delivered an impressive performance in Serie A during the previous season, notching 16 goals and 6 assists in 33 matches, Boulaye Dia has faced challenges in maintaining that form with Salernitana in the ongoing campaign.
Already having missed as many matches this season as the entirety of the previous one, Dia is grappling with a drop in influence within the Garnets’ squad, exemplified by his absence from 18 Serie A fixtures in 2023-2024.
His recent injury setback, sustained against Milan on December 22, 2023, has added a layer of complexity to Dia’s winter narrative.
The striker, expected to be sidelined for 4 to 5 weeks, remains committed to the Senegalese national team’s call-up for the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking about his condition, Dia provided reassurance, stating, “It’s getting better. I’m in the phase where I cycle a lot. There is better. Inshallah, it will be fine.”
Simultaneously, Dia must grapple with uncertainties regarding his future, exacerbated by reported discord with Salernitana’s management.
Unlike the previous summer transfer window, where he was retained despite interest from multiple clubs, the winter transfer period presents a potential opportunity for his departure.
Under contract until 2026, Dia has garnered interest from various suitors, including AC Milan, according to reports from Tutto Salernitana.
Amidst speculation, it is suggested that discussions between AC Milan and Salernitana are progressing.
The Rossoneri, seeking offensive reinforcements to bolster Olivier Giroud and provide competition with Luka Jović, reportedly view Boulaye Dia as an ideal candidate.
The transfer fee is speculated to be around €15 million, a figure lower than the active release clause of €21 million.
While these details should be approached with caution, the prevailing sentiment suggests that Boulaye Dia is poised to depart Salerno this winter.
Clubs such as Frankfurt, Fiorentina, and West Ham are also purportedly expressing interest in the Senegalese striker. As the transfer saga unfolds, Senegalese coach Aliou Cissé will be hopeful of Dia’s recovery, anticipating his potential return during the AFCON, if not before.
CAN 2023 : Boulaye Dia donne des nouvelles de sa blessure, « ça va aller »
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— wiwsport (@wiwsport) January 4, 2024
