The winter transfer window saw two promising young players depart Olympique de Marseille for Serie A clubs, hoping to continue their development on Italian soil. Forward Robinio Vaz and midfielder Darryl Bakola embarked on fresh chapters with AS Roma and Sassuolo, respectively. However, their transitions haven’t been seamless, as both players grapple with the challenges of adapting to a new league and increased competition. Their progress, or lack thereof, is being closely watched back in Marseille, where they still represent potential future assets.
Vaz Learning the Ropes in Rome
Robinio Vaz, now 19, joined AS Roma in January 2026, signing a four-year contract reportedly worth around €25 million. According to his Wikipedia profile, the move represented a significant step up for the young Frenchman. However, integrating into the Roma squad has proven difficult. Vaz has primarily been used as a substitute, finding it challenging to break into an attack already featuring established players like Paulo Dybala and other experienced offensive options.
Despite limited playing time, Vaz continues to learn under the guidance of manager Gian Piero Gasperini, known for his ability to develop attacking talent. While his initial impact has been modest and statistics remain unremarkable, Vaz remains confident he made the right decision in joining a club of Roma’s stature. He debuted for the club on January 18, coming off the bench in a 2-0 win against Torino. The transition to a new country and a more demanding league is a process, and Vaz appears committed to earning his place in the team.
Bakola Finding His Footing at Sassuolo
Darryl Bakola, 18, has faced a different set of hurdles at Sassuolo. The midfielder has struggled to establish himself in the team, hampered by strong competition and a less favorable overall context. Unlike Roma, Sassuolo isn’t competing in European competitions, and Bakola’s limited playing time has made it difficult for him to consistently showcase his abilities.
Bakola’s playing style has drawn comparisons to Paul Pogba, with his box-to-box capabilities. However, he’s yet to find the rhythm needed to become a regular starter. Despite a supportive environment and positive relationships with his teammates, his adaptation has been gradual. The Serie A demands a certain physicality and tactical awareness, and Bakola is still developing those aspects of his game.
Financial Implications for Marseille
The departures of Vaz and Bakola generated a substantial sum for Olympique de Marseille, a welcome boost in a period of tight financial management. The sales allowed the club to strengthen its financial position and potentially reinvest in other areas of the squad. While the immediate impact on the pitch isn’t directly measurable, the financial benefits are undeniable.
Both players retain significant potential, and their development will be closely monitored by their new clubs and Marseille. The French club will be hoping to witness them flourish in Italy, potentially increasing their value in the future. For now, the focus is on their individual progress and their ability to adapt to the demands of Serie A.
It’s important to remember that young players often require time to adjust to new environments. The Serie A is a notoriously competitive league, and breaking into the first team requires patience, dedication, and a willingness to learn. Vaz and Bakola are both talented individuals, but their success will ultimately depend on their ability to overcome these challenges and seize the opportunities that come their way.
The situation highlights the risks and rewards of investing in young talent. While selling promising players can provide immediate financial benefits, it also means relinquishing potential future stars. Marseille will be hoping that the financial gains outweigh the loss of two players who were once considered key components of their long-term plans.
As of March 19, 2026, Robinio Vaz has made 6 appearances for AS Roma, while Darryl Bakola’s playing time at Sassuolo remains limited. The coming months will be crucial for both players as they strive to establish themselves in Serie A and fulfill their potential.
Next up for Robinio Vaz and AS Roma is a Serie A clash against Fiorentina on March 23rd. Bakola and Sassuolo face off against Hellas Verona on the same day. Fans can follow official club channels for the latest updates on team news and match details.
