Sassuolo are closing in on a deal with Olympique Marseille for the transfer of French-born midfielder of Congolese descent Darryl Bakola, as the Serie A side move quickly to strengthen their squad.
According to renowned transfer insider Gianluca Di Marzio, negotiations between Sassuolo and Marseille are at an advanced stage, with both clubs close to finalising a permanent move for the 18-year-old midfielder. Bakola is expected to join the Neroverdi for the remainder of the season once the agreement is sealed.
The transfer is reportedly valued at around €10 million. Bakola has featured regularly this season, making 13 appearances under coach Roberto De Zerbi, during which he scored one goal and provided one assist in a total of 402 minutes of action.
The move comes as another setback for Sassuolo chief executive Giovanni Carnevali, who recently endured disappointment in Europe after Marseille knocked the club out of the Champions League. Sassuolo suffered a 3 0 defeat at Brugge, before Benfica’s dramatic 4 2 late victory over Real Madrid sealed their elimination.
With talks nearing completion, Bakola now appears set to begin a new chapter in Italy, as Sassuolo look to secure one of Europe’s promising young midfield talents.
