Chris
Wolves’ £19 million deadline day bid for Boulaye Dia turned the striker’s head, Salernitana president Danilo Iervolino admits after a last-gasp move to the Premier League failed to materialise.
It was a familiar and oh-so frustrating tale for Wolverhampton Wanderers in Sunday’s 3-2 defeat at Crystal Palace. Chances going begging and shots flying wildly into the stands. And, just like that opening day loss at Manchester United, the Wolves squad found themselves returning to Molineux with a nagging feeling of ‘what might have been’.
No team scored fewer goals than Wolves in the Premier League last term. With three in their first four games, Gary O’Neil’s side are once again on track to average fewer than a goal-a-game in 2023/24.
So Boulaye Dia, prolific at a mid-table Salernitana, had a very ‘final piece of the jigsaw’ feel to him; Wolves submitting an offer to sign the Senegal international on a loan-to-buy deal worth around £19 million on the final day of the window.
Salernitana, however, had no interest in cashing in so late in the summer. Especially not for a figure the club’s sporting director – Morgan de Sanctis – felt belongs in the derisory category.
Boulaye Dia misses out on Wolves move
“I will personally work to resolve this matter. I will speak with the player,” adds president Iervolino, breaking his silence in conversation with Radio Bussola 24.
“In this complex industry there are many interests, and anything can happen. Dia, hearing the bells of the Premier League, would have liked to leave and this is part of the game.
“He is a young man, and his ambitions should not be stifled. On the other hand, however, we have invested a lot (in him), knowing that he is an important striker on whom we are betting incredibly highly.
“I am convinced that the situation will be resolved. Certainly, it would have been better if nothing had happened. But let’s not make a drama out of it.
Dia was left out of Salernitana’s squad for Sunday’s trip to Lecce, his presence missed badly in a 2-0 defeat. The one-time West Ham target, Iervolino adds, could now face a financial penalty after attempting to force through that deadline day exit.
“We are a serious club. I will always protect my members,” the owner says. “The rules are important and apply to everyone. In my opinion, a fine is fair. I haven’t had the opportunity to speak to him yet.
