Dia on Salernitana move: I needed playing time

Empoli's Petar Stojanovic and Salernitanas Boulaye Dia in action

Wednesday Sep 14, 2022. 11:00

Senegalese international Boulaye Dia has revealed that a need for playing time ahead of the 2022 World Cup was a major factor in his decision to switch from Villarreal to Salernitana.

The 25-year-old forward transferred from the ‘Yellow Submarine’ to the Serie A club on a one-year loan last month. His contract includes an option for ‘I Granata’ to buy him outright at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.

Dia has enjoyed a strong start to life in Italy, registering three goals and two assists in five Serie A appearances thus far.

The forward was part of Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad in Cameroon earlier this year and wants to be a member of their team headed to Qatar 2022 – hence the need for regular playing time.

“I scored three goals and two assists, so the adventure has started well and I hope it will last,” he told the Football Show, as quoted by Africa Foot United.

“I wanted to start well with Salernitana to have a good season, so it’s off to a good start.

“At Villarreal I was not guaranteed the playing time I wanted. Sometimes you have to know how to make choices and, with the World Cup coming up, I need to play and show my qualities,” he concluded.

Senegal will face the Netherlands, Qatar and Ecuador in Group A at the 2022 World Cup.