In a recent report, Sky Sports has revealed that West Ham United have identified Reims striker Boulaye Dia as a replacement for Sebastien Haller, who joined AFC Ajax earlier this month. It is understood that Dia is valued around £10m by the Ligue 1 outfit with the Hammers keen on recruiting a new forward during this January transfer window (via Sky Sports).
Dia’s Productive Campaign In French Football
The Senegalese striker has experienced a brilliant season at the Stade Auguste-Delaune after producing a run of productive performances inside the opponent’s penalty box. Dia has made 19 appearances for the French outfit this term, netting 12 goals and grabbing one assist in various competitions.
The 24-year-old has caught the eye by averaging 2.1 shots, 0.6 key passes and 1.4 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Ligue 1. He has even distributed the ball relatively well on the offensive end of the field as he has made 77.5% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
The ways things have been going for Dia this season, it is no wonder that West Ham are interested in acquiring his services as they are in dire need to land a quality forward before the end of this month so that they have a decent back-up for Michail Antonio at the London Stadium.
What Will The Senegalese Marksman Add To David Moyes’ Team?
Dia has decent pace in his locker and is capable of getting in behind the opposition backline by making some dangerous runs in the final third. He has proven his worth as a composed finisher in front of the opponent’s goal but needs to add a few more assists to his game if he wants to establish himself as a top striker in Europe.
The Oyonnax-born sensation can get himself into some promising areas inside the penalty box and usually packs a lot of venom with his shots on-target. Furthermore, he has got the strength to cope with the physical nature of Premier League football but there are some concerns over whether he can adapt to the high intensity of football in England.
At the moment, Dia has what it takes to offer some healthy competition for Michail Antonio at the English capital. His addition would also give David Moyes the option to play with two strikers up top for specific matches which might help them get more wins in the coming seasons.
At 24, Dia is only going to get better with each season, so West Ham will do well to lure him to East London during this winter transfer period. He will add a lot of goals to Moyes’ frontline and could serve as a valuable squad player at the London Stadium in the years to come.
