Darryl Bakola: OM Contract Talks, Chelsea, Arsenal & Newcastle Interest

It only took one evening for everything to accelerate. By starting Darryl Bakola (18) in a decisive Champions League match against Newcastle, Roberto De Zerbi not only achieved a tactical move, he sent a strong political message. Author of a high-flying performance and decisive passer for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the young midfielder, under contract until June 2027 in Marseille, proved that he had the shoulders for the very high level. But this sudden exposure forces OM to armor their nugget as quickly as possible.

For several months, Marseille management has been emphasizing its desire to put the training center at the heart of the project. Actions followed words. By integrating Bakola more and more frequently into the rotation (8 appearances in all competitions), until this baptism of fire in C1, the club believes it has fulfilled its part of the contract. The management proved to the Bakola clan that its future was well written at the Vélodrome. Now the ball is in the player’s court. According to our information, a concrete extension offer is currently in the hands of the midfielder.

A decision expected upon resumption

Behind the scenes, the tone is both benevolent and firm. OM, who believe they have sufficiently shown these young talents that they are the future of the club by integrating them more and more, do not want to relive the endless soap operas of the past, where young talents left free after having been post-trained at the club. Clearly, the month of January will be decisive for the man who is considered one of the great hopes of the Marseille club.

The absolute priority of Pablo Longoria and Mehdi Benatia remains to keep the native of Clichy. However, the club will not tremble: if Darryl Bakola does not sign quickly, a transfer this winter cannot be ruled out so as not to end up without compensation. From an English source, Chelsea are advancing their pawns behind the scenes on OM n°50 and are already considering sending him to Strasbourg on loan. But that’s not all since Newcastle, Arsenal, Stuttgart and Dortmund are also very interested. The message has been sent: it’s up to the U20 international tricolor to decide.