Boulaye Dia is set to return to Ligue 1 with Stade Rennais after the French club reached an agreement with Lazio for the Senegal international shortly before the transfer window closed.
The 29-year-old forward is expected to join on a €2m loan deal that includes an €8m obligation to buy, according to Fabrizio Romano. The arrangement would take Rennes’ total investment to €10m if the permanent transfer clause is triggered.
Dia’s move is designed to strengthen Stade Rennais’ attack following Breel Embolo’s departure for Atalanta. The agreement with Lazio also brings an end to Rennes’ search for another player in that position.
The forward is preparing to return to French top-flight football after spending the past five years playing in Spain and Italy. He began his senior career in France before moving abroad and has spent the recent part of his career with Lazio.
If the purchase obligation is activated, Dia is expected to sign a contract with Stade Rennais until 2029. Ouest-France reports that the agreement could also include an option for an additional year.
Dia has scored 14 goals in 81 appearances for Lazio. Born in Oyonnax, he brings experience of European football and international competition to a Rennes side looking to add more attacking threat.
His market value has been estimated at €5m, while his annual salary in Italy was reported to be €2,560,000, equivalent to 1,664,000,000 CFA francs. Dia remains under contract with Lazio until 2028, although the proposed loan and compulsory purchase arrangement would allow him to continue his career in France.
The transfer was concluded just before the market deadline and is expected to complete Rennes’ recruitment work in attack. The club will now look to integrate Dia into its squad as it continues its Ligue 1 campaign.
Lazio are due to play Udinese in the third round of the Italian championship shortly. The pre-match betting prices cited in the source rate a Lazio win at 2.55, a draw at 3.00 and an Udinese victory at 2.88.
Dia’s anticipated move means he will leave Lazio after recording 14 goals across his 81 matches for the Rome-based club. For Stade Rennais, the deal provides an experienced replacement following Embolo’s switch to Atalanta and marks the striker’s return to Ligue 1 after his spell abroad.