Rennes agree deal to bring Boulaye Dia back to Ligue 1 from Lazio

Stade Rennais have reached an agreement with Lazio for Senegal international Boulaye Dia, who is set to return to Ligue 1 after five years playing in Spain and Italy.

The Rennes deal was completed shortly before the transfer window closed, with the French club seeking a replacement for Breel Embolo, who has joined Atalanta.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Dia will initially move to Stade Rennais on a paid loan costing €2m. The agreement also includes an obligation to buy worth a further €8m, taking the total value of the transfer to €10m.

Ouest-France reports that, once the obligation is activated, the 29-year-old forward is expected to sign a contract with Rennes until 2029. That agreement will include the option of an additional year.

The transfer ends Rennes’ search for another player in the position and gives the club an experienced attacking option. Dia has scored 14 goals in 81 appearances for Lazio since moving to the Italian side.

Born in Oyonnax, Dia is a Senegal international and brings experience from several of Europe’s major leagues. Before his time in Italy, he spent five years away from France, with his career taking him through Spain as well as Serie A.

Dia’s market value is estimated at €5m. He was earning an annual salary of €2,560,000 in Italy, equivalent to 1,664,000,000 CFA francs. His contract with Lazio was due to run until 2028.

For Lazio, the move comes as the club prepare to face Udinese in their third match of the Italian league season. The Rome-based side will therefore be without Dia as he completes his switch to Rennes, subject to the final stages of the transfer process.

Odds published by 1xBet for that match listed Lazio as the 2.55 favourite to win. A draw was priced at 3.00, while an Udinese victory was listed at 2.88.

Dia’s arrival provides Stade Rennais with the attacking reinforcement they had been seeking following Embolo’s departure. The structure of the agreement allows the Breton club to bring him in immediately, while the mandatory purchase clause sets out a longer-term commitment should the stated conditions be met.

If the transfer proceeds as agreed, Dia will begin a new chapter in France after his spell with Lazio and a period spent developing his career outside Ligue 1.