Salernitana’s 2022/2023 Serie A campaign is characterized by regrets and struggles. The club’s director, Morgan De Sanctis, has openly acknowledged a costly error. Specifically, he admitted to blocking Boulaye Dia’s potential move to Wolverhampton Wanderers. The summer transfer saga, coupled with the departure of coach Paulo Sousa, has left the Granata facing challenges on and off the pitch. In this article, we delve into the details of Dia’s missed opportunity and the subsequent unraveling of Salernitana’s season.
Dia’s Missed Move To Wolverhampton – A Costly Oversight
Salernitana’s pivotal moment came on the last day of the summer transfer window. The club’s decision to reject Wolverhampton Wanderers‘ offer for Boulaye Dia stands out. This choice has proven to be a significant and potentially impactful decision for Salernitana. Dia, the top scorer for the team in the previous season, netting 16 goals in 33 Serie A appearances, garnered interest from a Premier League side. Despite this, De Sanctis now acknowledges, in hindsight, that not allowing the Senegal international to make the move to England was a mistake. The hindsight perspective underscores the potential impact of the decision on both the player and the club.
The offensive offer from Wolves, seeking Dia on loan, was deemed unacceptable by Salernitana, leading to a strained relationship between the player and the club. Despite his initial exclusion from the squad due to his desire to move, Dia eventually returned to contribute, scoring four goals in 10 Serie A games. However, De Sanctis continues to express remorse for not capitalizing on the opportunity to sell Dia. The lingering regret stems from the potential repercussions associated with the decision to block the striker’s move.
Sousa’s Departure and Salernitana’s Season Struggles
The woes for Salernitana extend beyond the transfer saga, as the departure of coach Paulo Sousa added to the club’s challenges. Sousa, who had engaged in discussions with Napoli over the summer but failed to secure an agreement, remained in Salerno. Despite the initial optimism that Salernitana could maintain their defensive solidity and attacking prowess under Sousa, the team’s performance deteriorated.
De Sanctis acknowledges the underestimation of the impact of Sousa’s desire to leave, leading to a breakdown in the team’s mechanics. With only one win in 14 matches, Salernitana finds themselves in a challenging position. The team currently sits at the bottom of the Serie A table with just eight points. Turning their season around now poses a daunting task for Salernitana. Sousa’s dismissal after just eight games marked a significant development for Salernitana. The subsequent appointment of Filippo Inzaghi as the new coach signifies a pivotal moment for the club. It reflects their efforts and strategic decisions in attempting to salvage the season.
As Salernitana faces a challenging period, De Sanctis underscores the importance of support from both players and fans. He emphasizes the resilience and determination required to reverse their fortunes in Serie A. Navigating through this difficult phase will demand collective effort and commitment from everyone involved with the club.
