Boulaye Dia (Getty Images)
According to L’Equipe (h/t Burnley Express), Brighton have made an inquiry over the possibility of signing Reims star Boulaye Dia in this summer.
The report suggests that the Seagulls could face competition to secure his services as French outfit Marseille are also interested in signing the youngster.
Born in France, Dia came through the ranks of Jura Sud Foot’s youth system and excelled with the club’s senior set–up for a year. He was then signed by Reims in the summer of 2018 and despite struggling for regular game time in his debut season at Stade Auguste-Delaune; he managed to score 4 goals in all competitions.
However, he became an integral member of the squad last season and found the back of the net seven times in 24 Ligue 1 games. He helped his side finish in the 5th position in the league standings last season, whilst also taking his side up to the semifinals of Coupe de la Ligue.
Dia has already begun to impress once again as he scored in the 2-2 draw against Monaco a week back when the new Ligue 1 campaign started.
Graham Potter’s men haven’t been at their best in the last two seasons and one of the major reasons for their poor campaigns is the lack of consistency in front of goal. Last season, they managed to score just 39 goals in the league.
Frenchman Neal Maupay top-scored with 10 goals and young Aaron Connolly managed to find the back of the net on three occasions. Apart from them, none of the strikers managed to perform well.
Glenn Murray is already 35 and reaching the twilight of his career and Florin Andone just returned from an unsuccessful loan spell. Thus, a striker is a must in the summer if the Seagulls are to lift themselves and do better.
In that regard, Dia would be a viable option for the club. The Frenchman been in fine form since last season and could be a crucial player for the Seagulls in the near future. Connolly is too young to be depended upon and signing Dia could help the manager form a strong partnership between Maupay and his compatriot.
Dia’s inclusion would definitely add depth to their attacks ranks, especially with Murray reaching the rear end of his career. The Frenchman could be a future replacement for Murray and would also bring in healthy competition within the squad.
With limited quality upfront, it is clear that Brighton are in dire need of in-form strikers. Dia could provide them with some much-needed quality and could also go on to represent the Seagulls in the long run if he is able to continue with the good form. Thus, they should manage to lure the 23-year-old to AMEX Stadium this summer.