Lazio & Ligue 1 Club in Advanced Negotiations for Boulaye Dia | OneFootball

Lazio striker Boulaye Dia is reportedly one step away from returning to France through the gates of Rennes.

Boulaye Dia’s Career Path

Although he represents Senegal at the international level, the versatile attacker was born and raised in France. He left the country in the summer of 2021, sealing a move from Stade Reims to Villarreal. After a one-year experience in LaLiga, Dia signed for Salernitana, cementing himself as one of the biggest revelations of his 2022/23 campaign and scoring 16 goals in Serie A.

Dia Hasn’t Been Prolific For Lazio

In the summer of 2024, the Senegalese international joined Lazio on a two-year loan deal with an obligation to buy for €16 million.

Boulaye Dia (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

The 29-year-old performed well in Marco Baroni’s 4-2-3-1 system when playing behind Taty Castellanos, but has been struggling in front of goal when leading the line in the 4-3-3 formation adopted by Maurizio Sarri last season and confirmed by Gennaro Gattuso this term.

Lazio & Rennes Finalising Dia Deal

Last week, Italian and French sources linked Dia with a move to Stade Rennais, an ambitious Ligue 1 club that will also take part in the Europa League this season. According to La Lazio Siamo Noi, the player has already expressed his desire to return to France after spending the last five years between Spain and Italy.

Lazio Awaiting Lotito’s Approval

Italian journalist Damiano Er Faina reveals Lazio and Rennes are currently embroiled in advanced negotiations, as they’re working on ironing out the last details before reaching a full agreement. The source claims the deal can go through once the Biancocelesti management receives the final green light from club owner Claudio Lotito.

Petar Ratkov Also Leaving Lazio, Matteo Cancellieri Resisting Genoa

Dia wouldn’t be the last attacker to leave Lazio before Tuesday’s transfer deadline. Gattuso already announced Petar Ratkov’s imminent exit (presumably to Levante) following Sunday’s win over Genoa, while the hierarchy is urging Matteo Cancellieri to accept a move to the Ligurian club.