Lazio agree Boulaye Dia sale to Rennes as forward reshuffle continues

Lazio have reached an agreement to sell Boulaye Dia to Rennes, moving closer to another attacking exit as Gennaro Gattuso’s squad is reshaped before the transfer deadline.

The deal has not yet been officially announced, but Sky Sport Italia reports that the clubs have agreed a package worth around €8.5m. Dia had already given his approval to the move, making the club-to-club breakthrough the decisive step towards his return to Ligue 1.

That keeps the transfer at the agreement stage rather than completed. Rennes still need to finish the final formalities before Dia can be presented as a new signing, but the direction of the move is now clear.

For Lazio, the sale continues a deliberate attempt to reduce and reorganise the forward line. Petar Ratkov is also moving towards Levante, and Lazio have been assessing replacement options, including Dennis Man from PSV, as they try to adjust the attack around Gattuso’s preferences.

Dia’s exit would be a quick reversal after Lazio only made his move from Salernitana permanent earlier this summer. The Senegal international had arrived with Serie A experience and a record of scoring in Italy and France, but his place in the squad became less secure as Lazio moved through the final phase of the market.

For Rennes, the attraction is a striker who already knows Ligue 1. Dia previously played for Reims before moving abroad, and his combination of mobility, penalty-box movement and experience gives Rennes a more immediate centre-forward option than a development signing.

The fee also reflects Lazio’s situation. An €8.5m sale would not represent a major profit, but it would give the club cash and squad space before the window closes. That may matter as much as the headline number if Lazio are trying to complete another attacking move.

Until the clubs confirm the agreement, Dia’s move should remain classified as reported rather than official. The player has accepted Rennes, Lazio have reportedly agreed the sale, and the remaining step is formal completion.