Benatia’s winter gamble could cost Marseille dearly this winter
Olympique de Marseille faces a double‑edged dilemma: the club must curb a bloated wage bill while a winter market decision made by Medhi Benatia threatens to cost the club dearly, as former academy star Darryl Bakola now commands a price near €30 million.
Bakola’s soaring value
Bakola left Marseille in January for Sassuolo in a deal reported at €10 million plus €2 million in bonuses, roughly €12 million in total. Within months his performances in Serie A have attracted attention from several top European clubs. Italian media now claim Sassuolo could demand up to €30 million, almost three times the original outlay.
The rapid rise raises questions about the handling of the transfer by Medhi Benatia and the club’s former sporting director. The €12 million fee paid this winter now appears a modest investment compared with the current valuation. Marseille’s hierarchy must reckon with the financial implications of a decision made only weeks ago.
Juventus has entered the fray, with Giovanni Carnevali, the club’s delegated administrator, reportedly speaking to Francesco Palmieri, Sassuolo’s sporting director, about securing Bakola. The Turin side’s interest is described as “serious” by the Italian press. Should the transfer materialise, Juventus would acquire a highly‑rated 18‑year‑old French midfielder before the January window closes.
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Juventus interest threatens Højbjerg exit
At the same time, Juventus is seeking midfield reinforcements after injuries to Khéphren Thuram and Manuel Locatelli. Coach Luciano Spalletti is said to admire the experience and leadership of Danish international Pierre‑Emile Højbjerg. The 31‑year‑old is under contract with Marseille until June 2028 and commands one of the highest salaries in the squad.
Marseille, struggling on the pitch and eager to trim its wage structure, have identified Højbjerg as a prime candidate for departure. However, Juventus’s simultaneous pursuit of Bakola could complicate any deal for the Danish midfielder. If the Italian club concentrates its resources on Bakola, it may delay or diminish the offer for Højbjerg.
Reports suggest Juventus could target Bakola in January and consider Højbjerg in the summer of 2027. The club appears prepared to fund both acquisitions, potentially leaving Marseille with limited bargaining power on either front. This scenario underscores the precarious position of Marseille’s board.
For Olympique de Marseille, the situation is a stark reminder that a single transfer decision can reverberate months later. The club not only lost a promising youngster whose market value has exploded, but now faces a rival interest that may block a lucrative exit for one of its most expensive players. The fallout from Benatia’s winter move could therefore echo throughout the upcoming transfer window.