Roma are reportedly following 18-year-old Sassuolo midfielder Darryl Bakola, although the French prospect is not being considered a replacement for Manu Koné.
Roma have started looking toward future transfer windows despite their excellent opening to the season.
According to Federico Nisii of Manà Manà Sport, the Giallorossi are closely monitoring Sassuolo midfielder Darryl Bakola.
Sporting director Tony D’Amico is reportedly considering the prospect as a possible target for either January or next summer. Roma have been impressed by his characteristics and development since his arrival in Serie A.
There is currently no suggestion that negotiations have begun between the clubs.
Who Is Darryl Bakola?
Bakola was born in Clichy, France, on November 30, 2007, and developed through the youth systems of Asnières, Racing Club de France, Red Star and Marseille.
He made his senior Marseille debut as a 16-year-old before completing a permanent move to Sassuolo in February 2026.
The French youth international is primarily a central midfielder but can also operate in a more advanced position. He is right-footed, technically composed and capable of progressing possession through passing or carrying the ball.
Bakola is under contract with Sassuolo until June 2030.
Bakola Establishing Himself at Sassuolo
After making six Serie A appearances during his first half-season in Italy, Bakola has earned a more prominent role during the current campaign.
The 18-year-old has appeared in four of Sassuolo’s first five league matches, starting three and playing 297 minutes. He has also recorded one assist.
Despite his age, Bakola has demonstrated the confidence to receive possession under pressure and participate in Sassuolo’s buildup play.
His performances have reportedly attracted Roma’s attention as D’Amico continues searching for young players capable of developing within Gasperini’s system.
Bakola Not Viewed as Koné Replacement
Roma’s interest in Bakola is not connected to a potential departure for Manu Koné.
The two French midfielders possess different profiles and are at very different stages of their careers. Koné has become one of Roma’s most important players, while Bakola would represent an investment for the future.
Following Koné’s impressive start, Roma could reportedly value the midfielder at as much as €100 million.
Bakola would instead add another technically gifted young midfielder to a squad already containing players such as Niccolò Pisilli and Rodrigo Mora.
Roma Continue Scouting Young Serie A Talent
D’Amico’s interest in Bakola fits Roma’s strategy of identifying emerging players before their valuations increase significantly.
The club are also monitoring Frosinone winger Giorgi Kvernadze after the Georgian’s excellent start to the Serie A season.
Both players are already gaining experience in Italian football and would offer significant potential for further development.
Roma will continue observing Bakola over the coming months before deciding whether to approach Sassuolo in January or wait until the summer transfer window.
Source: Federico Nisii, Manà Manà Sport
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