Sassuolo Marseille transfers hit a high note this week as the Italian side clinched a double deal from Olympique Marseille, snagging young star Darryl Bakola on a permanent €10 million move and left-back Ulisses Garcia on loan with a €4 million buy option. The agreements wrap up fast in the final days of the January window, giving Sassuolo fresh options to push through a tough Serie A campaign.
Bakola, the 18-year-old French forward with Congolese roots, steps up as a promising addition after breaking through Marseille’s academy. He’s made 13 appearances this season, scoring once and assisting another in limited minutes under Roberto De Zerbi.
No contract extension talks stuck, so Marseille let him go for €10 million straight up. The kid’s seen as a gem – quick, technical, and ready to grow in Italy after struggling for starts in Ligue 1. Sassuolo sees him fitting right into their youth-focused setup, maybe linking up with forwards like Domenico Berardi for that extra edge.
Garcia’s move keeps it simple – a loan until June, with Sassuolo covering wages and holding a €4 million option to make it permanent if he clicks. The 30-year-old Swiss international joined Marseille just two years back from Young Boys for €4 million, but game time dried up lately.
He’s got experience in European games and solid defending skills, plus that left-foot cross that could help Sassuolo’s attack. Negotiations wrapped quick, with some reports pegging the buy option at €3 million, but latest word lands on €4 million. He’ll add depth to a backline hit by injuries, giving coach Alessio Dionisi more choices mid-season.
Both deals tie back to Marseille’s push to trim squad and cash in on talents not getting minutes. Bakola’s departure hurts their youth pipeline, but €10 million helps balance books. Garcia’s loan frees up space for new faces, like recent signings keeping their defense fresh.
Sassuolo, sitting lower in the table than fans like, needs these boosts to avoid relegation fights and aim for mid-table safety. Dionisi’s team has shown flashes but lacks consistency – Bakola’s energy and Garcia’s know-how might steady the ship.
Fans reacted quick online. Sassuolo supporters cheer the bargain hunts, posting clips of Bakola’s academy highlights and Garcia’s Swiss league runs. “Finally some smart buys,” one X post said, getting hundreds of likes. Marseille folks feel mixed – sad to lose a homegrown like Bakola but happy for his shot abroad. “Good luck, kid,” echoes in comments under transfer news.
This isn’t Sassuolo’s first raid on France. They’ve pulled talents before, blending them into their mix of young guns and vets. For Bakola, it’s a step up from bench duty, with regular play waiting if he grabs it. Garcia knows the drill – adapt fast or head back. Both could debut soon if papers clear, maybe in upcoming cup ties or league clashes.
Marseille keeps wheeling, offloading to fund bigger plans. Their window stays busy, with links to other outgoings like older pros. Sassuolo’s director Giovanni Rossi played it smart, landing two for under €15 million potential spend. If Garcia stays, that’s value; if Bakola shines, resale could double the investment.
Transfers like these keep Serie A exciting. Young stars get chances, vets find new homes, and clubs like Sassuolo punch above weight. As the window shuts, eyes turn to how these two fit in. Bakola’s speed could terrorize defenses, Garcia’s crosses feed strikers. Dionisi smiles – his squad just got deeper.
Supporters pack stadiums hoping for wins. Marseille waves goodbye, focusing on their climb. In football’s fast world, deals like this shift seasons. Bakola and Garcia start fresh chapters in green and black.
Italian media hypes the duo as key for Sassuolo’s survival push. “Bargains from France,” headlines scream. Fans dream of Bakola goals lifting them up the table, Garcia locking down the left. Sassuolo fans thank Rossi for the hustle.
