Leeds Utd enter 2023 transfer auction for in-form striker rated in £14m bracket, with West Ham among rivals
Leeds United could solve their perceived striker shortage with a bid for Boulaye Dia in 2023, according to a report naming his two other English suitors.
Goals have not been as easy to come by as they should have been for Leeds so far this season. They have scored 15 times from their opening 12 matches in the Premier League. In reality, it should have been more.
There have been concerns about the form of main striker Patrick Bamford. Perhaps more competition could be required, despite Leeds already having the likes of Wilfried Gnonto and Joe Gelhardt to push him.
In the long-term, Leeds should be fine up front, thanks to those players with potential. But to ensure they stay away from relegation trouble that nearly caught them last season, they may need some more senior strength.
Looking at attackers will be on the club’s agenda in 2023. In that regard, La Gazzetta Dello Sport has highlighted that Boulaye Dia is now on their radar.
The Senegal international is spending the 2022-23 season on loan at Salernitana from Villarreal. He has been enjoying better form, with five goals in 11 Serie A appearances so far.
As a result, Salernitana already look likely to activate their option to buy Dia for €12million (just over £10million).
However, they may take advantage of his good form by selling him in the summer for a profit. As things stand, they expect they could fetch between €16million and €17million (£13.8million to £14.6million, approximately) by cashing in.
Should Dia show further signs of improvement over the course of the season, they could be able to demand even more.
But a few Premier League clubs are on alert, including Leeds United. They have joined existing suitors West Ham and Nottingham Forest in the race to sign Dia, who turns 26 in November.
West Ham strengthened up front with the signing of Gianluca Scamacca from Sassuolo in the summer. Nottingham Forest also bolstered their options there – where didn’t they? – by bringing in the likes of Taiwo Awoniyi and Emmanuel Dennis.
Boulaye Dia worth watching
Hence, it will be interesting to see who feels the greatest need for Dia in 2023. He will also be attracting the interest of bigger clubs in Serie A, although La Gazzetta Dello Sport has not named any of them yet.
For now, Dia must simply keep focusing on maintaining his standards with Salernitana. Having experienced the Champions League last season with Villarreal, he will be keen to prove he belongs at a high level.
Dia is certainly someone worth keeping an eye on over the next few months. He has discovered a rhythm with Salernitana, who may only be able to enjoy him for a short time.
Although he has never played in the Premier League before, links with a move to England are long lasting for the former Reims striker.
Leeds arguably need a senior striker the most out of any of his three remaining suitors. Therefore, as long as they retain Premier League status, they could be an attractive option for him.
The West Yorkshire club have brought several talents to England for their first taste of Premier League football in recent months. Hence, they would not necessarily be afraid to take a risk with Dia.
Indeed, if he keeps recording the kind of numbers that he is doing, there might not be much risk at all in luring him to Elland Road.
What’s more, the price tag would seem reasonable. Therefore, Leeds are right to be thinking about Dia – as are his other admirers.
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