In a recent report, The Chronicle has stated that Newcastle United are keeping tabs on Reims striker Boulaye Dia. It is understood that the Senegalese striker has caught the eyes of the Magpies scouts because of his majestic start to this Ligue 1 campaign (via The Chronicle).
Dia’s Prolific Form In The Ligue 1 This Season
Dia has enjoyed a rich vein of form in front of the opposition goal as he has produced a string of outstanding displays as the focal point of David Guion’s attack. He has found the back of the net on eight occasions in ten matches for the French outfit this term in all competitions.
The 24-year-old should get a pat on the back for averaging 2.8 shots, 0.8 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Ligue 1 this season. However, his ball-distribution in the final third has a lot of room for improvement after he completed only 75.2% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
The Senegalese marksman has already matched his tally from the previous campaign, but he is still untested at the highest level, so Newcastle would be taking a big risk if they decide to make a switch to acquire his services in January or at the end of this season.
What Will The Senegalese Centre-Forward Add To Steve Bruce’s Side?
Dia boasts remarkable strength that allows him to hold possession up the field to get others involved inside the opponent’s penalty box. He has shown this season that he can be a calm finisher up top. The Senegalese attacker possesses decent pace under his belt that allows him to make some penetrative runs in behind the opposition backline. However, there are some concerns over whether he can maintain his good form in the Premier League where he will be tested both physically and emotionally if Newcastle end up recruiting him in the future.
Bruce would be wise to wait until at least the end of this campaign before deciding whether to engineer a move to lure him to St. James’ Park. If Dia can continue to score goals at such a high rate in the remainder of this campaign, then it makes sense for the Magpies to consider landing him in the summer transfer window.
Going by his recent form, Dia is more than capable of serving as an ideal deputy to Callum Wilson at Tyneside. He could also potentially strike up a fruitful partnership with the Newcastle forward if Bruce is willing to give him a chance in England.
However, the Senegalese frontman might struggle to settle into the Premier League where he will be surrounded by some of the best talents in world football. At 24, Dia is a player on the rise, so the Magpies should continue to monitor his development before making up their minds over whether to launch a move to get him on board next summer.
