Sassuolo set €30m asking price for teenage midfielder Darryl Bakola

Darryl Bakola has emerged as a potential target for several of Italy’s leading clubs, with Sassuolo reportedly valuing the 18-year-old midfielder at €30m ahead of the January 2027 transfer window.

Juventus, AC Milan, AS Roma and Napoli are all monitoring the player’s development. Bakola has attracted attention with his progress and physical profile, which has been compared with certain characteristics of Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa.

Growing interest in Sassuolo midfielder

Bakola joined Sassuolo in February 2026 after spending two and a half years in the youth set-up at Olympique de Marseille. He has continued his development since moving to Italian football and is understood to have impressed scouts with his potential and ability to add strength and energy to midfield.

According to Hooligan Soccer, the four clubs are following Bakola closely and could consider making a move in January 2027. No official offer has yet been submitted to Sassuolo.

Juventus are believed to view Bakola as a player who could bring greater dynamism to their midfield. AC Milan and AS Roma are attracted by his versatility, while Napoli are also assessing whether he could strengthen their central midfield options.

Sassuolo are in a strong negotiating position after securing Bakola’s future with a contract running until June 2030. That long-term agreement gives the club control over any potential discussions and enables them to set demanding conditions for a transfer.

Sassuolo demand more than market valuation

Bakola’s estimated market value is €15m, according to Transfermarkt, but that figure does not necessarily reflect Sassuolo’s expectations.

The Italian club are reportedly prepared to begin negotiations at €30m. They also want performance-related bonuses to be included in any agreement, along with a percentage of the fee from a future sale.

Those demands could make a deal more difficult, although the level of interest means the midfielder’s situation is likely to remain under close scrutiny. Juventus, AC Milan, AS Roma and Napoli all appear to be considering whether Sassuolo’s valuation can be met.

No transfer has been agreed and Sassuolo have not formally approved Bakola’s departure. With the January 2027 market still several months away, the midfielder remains at the centre of a potential contest involving four prominent Italian clubs.

Sassuolo will shortly play their ninth match of the Italian championship against Lazio.