In a recent print edition, Corriere dello Sport revealed that Everton are locked in a three-way battle for Villarreal forward Boulaye Dia. It has been claimed that the Toffees could face competition in the form of West Ham United and Fiorentina in the race to land the Senegalese attacker this summer.
Dia’s Excellent Loan Spell In Italian Football This Season
Dia enjoyed a great loan spell at Salernitana in Serie A this season as he has produced a run of fruitful displays for them in the final third. The 26-year-old has netted 16 goals and grabbed six assists in 33 appearances for the Italian club during this campaign in multiple competitions.
The Senegalese sensation has been a reliable performer in front of the opponent’s goal based on his average of 1.5 shots, 1.1 key passes and 1.1 dribbles per 90 minutes in Serie A. He has also distributed the ball relatively well in the final third, as evidenced by his pass success rate of 77.3% in the Italian top-flight (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at his parent club Villarreal will run out in the summer of 2026. Hence, the Toffees will have to make a sizable offer if they are serious about recruiting Dia ahead of the new season.
Should Everton Head Coach Sean Dyche Move In For Dia?
Dia can be a prolific presence in front of the opposition goal when he is playing with confidence on the pitch. He has got the vision to orchestrate some meaningful openings for others around him in the final third and can make a few dangerous runs with the ball as well. Dia is primarily a centre-forward but can also fill in as a right-sided wide player if told to do so.
The Senegalese talent excels at finding space for himself to get some shots in at goal but is still unproven at the highest level.
Still, we can expect Dia to inject more goals into Everton boss Sean Dyche’s attack and increase competition for places within his match-day squad. At 26, the Villarreal forward has got his best years ahead of him which makes him a great choice for the Toffees to pursue in this off-season.
However, there are some question marks over whether Dia can adapt to the physicality and high intensity of Premier League football. With all things considered, the Merseyside club should move in for the Senegal international as he could help them stay out of relegation trouble next season.
