Wolves’ deadline day bid for Boulaye Dia left Salernitana furious with the Premier League outfit reportedly offering a £27 million loan-to-buy deal for the Serie A frontman.
Conspicious by his absence from the matchday squad on Sunday – Salernitana travelling to Lecce – last season’s 16-goal top scorer will have his work cut out repairing the bridges he set alight on a dramatic deadline day.
Wolves, according to Il Mattino, attempted to sign Boulaye Dia on an initial loan deal. One that may have turned into a permanent transfer to the tune of around £19 million in 2024.
Salernitana director Morgan de Sanctis did not confirm whether those reported figures are accurate. But, as far as he is concerned, both Wolves and Dia did themselves no favours attempting to force through a move for a player who has almost become a priceless presence at the Stadio Arechi.
Wolves miss out on Salernitana talisman Boulaye Dia
“We were, above all, concerned with resisting the numerous requests and some concrete approaches for our best players. No satisfactory offers were received that would justify the departure of our most talented stars,” De Sanctis tells Football Italia.
As for Dia, I wish to send a message, which is that we demand respect for Salernitana, for myself, for the history of the club and its fans.
“We received a phone call late on Thursday night with talk of a loan with option-to-buy for figures that, if I were to make public, would cause a diplomatic incident.”
Wolves failed to sign a striker on deadline day. While missing out on Dia, Gary O’Neil’s side also saw a similar approach rebuffed by Southampton for Che Adams. The Scotland international featured in the Saints’ 5-0 drubbing at Sunderland 24 hours later, though there will be no return to action for Dia this weekend.
“(The situation) affected Dia,” De Sanctis adds. “I expect the player to realise how much we have given him, because we want a rapport of reciprocal respect, and hope we can continue like the previous 12 months together.
“I will say that I, the President, and all of Salernitana will not forget what Wolverhampton (Wanderers) did. Dia was not called up because in his attitude he showed that he is not ready to play against Lecce. You can interpret that however you wish.
“That game will be a battle and we need people prepared to battle with us. His attitude seemed to be going in the opposite direction.”
