Several Premier League clubs have sent scouts to watch 18-year-old French-Congolese central midfielder Darryl Bakola in person. The English clubs have appreciated his physical strength, acceleration, and ball management qualities. There is growing competition around Bakola, and there is a risk for Italian clubs that an auction could quickly increase his price. Bakola joined Sassuolo from Olympique Marseille in February 2026 for a reported fee of approximately €10 million plus potential bonuses, and his current contract runs until 2030. His market value is currently estimated at €15 million by Transfermarkt.