Boulaye Dia (foto: Getty Images)
In a dramatic escalation of internal discipline measures, Serie A struggler Salernitana has reportedly demanded an astonishing 20 million euros in damages from its record signing, Boulaye Dia, for his refusal to participate as a substitute in a match.
This unprecedented move, as detailed by La Gazzetta dello Sport, highlights the intense pressures within the club, currently facing a relegation battle and sitting a significant eleven points adrift from safety despite high-profile acquisitions such as Kostas Manolas and Jerome Boateng.
Dia, who became Salernitana's most expensive player following a 14 million euro transfer from Villarreal, has found himself in hot water after declining Coach Fabio Liverani's call to enter the field from the bench. This act of defiance is the latest in a series of disciplinary issues for the 27-year-old forward, culminating in his removal from the first team.
In addition to slashing his salary by 50%, the club's demand for a 20 million euro compensation is largely due to the hefty fee paid to Villarreal, a sum Salernitana now regards as a significantly unwise investment given the current circumstances.