Sassuolo Preparing Late January Swoop For Marseille Left-Back Ulisses Garcia

Sassuolo have been decidedly quiet on the transfer front in January, but it appears they have been saving their activity until the final days of the window after opening talks with Marseille’s Ulisses Garcia.

Sassuolo have operated astutely in the transfer market in recent seasons, utilising the loan market to great effect in the summer which saw their market value rise by €76m.

Their (so far) successful first season back in Serie A after relegation been fuelled by their shrewd business, but it appears they were ready to take their foot off the gas in January.

Manager Fabio Grosso has struck a potent balance between youth and experience, with the Neroverdi just three points off a top-half berth.

However, FootItalia understands they may yet enter the market before the window closes, and director Giovanni Carnevali has been working in tandem with Grosso to identify positions in need of shoring up.

Mbala Nzola may leave Pisa for Sassuolo before the end of January as reported by FootItalia, but there is a more pressing need to depth in defence.

Marseille Open to Offers For Ulisses Garcia

Josh Doig has cemented himself as Sassuolo’s first-choice left back since promotion, and while he shared that mantle with Edoardo Pieragnolo in Serie B, the Scotsman has shown his aptitude for the top-flight.

As for Pieragnolo, the boyhood Sassuolo product has not played a single minute in Serie A after picking up a season-ending cruciate ligament injury in September. This has prompted the club to look at reinforcing their options at left-back, but also to provide Doig with some healthy competition.

It now appears Sassuolo may get the upper hand on Marseille once again. Having beaten them to Doig’s signature back in January 2024, they are now attempting to lure a player currently on their books.

They aren’t likely to face much resistance from Marseille, with Roberto De Zerbi preferring a three-at-the-back system and attack-minded players as his widest options. That has meant Igor Paixao have typically commanded the left side, leaving little room for Marseille’s out-and-out left-back Ulisses Garcia.

The Swiss international has featured just six times in all competitions across the campaign, and his found himself left out of De Zerbi’s matchday squad on seven occasions.

Marseille are prepared to invite offers for Garcia, who is contracted to stay at the club for another two years.

As for Sassuolo, FootItalia understands they have opened preliminary talks with his representatives over a potential switch. The club are confident that a deal with a relatively modest fee can be struck before the end of the month, but Marseille may also be open to an initial loan deal according to several sources.