Dybala's contract stalemate in the Eternal City
Paulo Dybala is entering the final days of his contract with AS Roma, and the clock is ticking on an agreement that has proven elusive. As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Giallorossi have tabled a renewal offer worth €2.3 million per year, a significant reduction from his current €6 million net wages, with bonuses linked to appearances in the 2026-27 season. The Argentine playmaker, however, is holding out for a €3 million annual salary, a figure he considers commensurate with his influence on the team.
The deepening negotiations have seen Roma owner Ryan Friedkin personally engage with Dybala’s agent, Carlos Novel, but the arrival of new sporting director Tony D’Amico has shifted the talks into his portfolio. Dybala’s desire to remain in the Italian capital is not in doubt—his years at the Olimpico have cemented his status as a fan favourite—but the financial gap has left the door ajar for ambitious suitors.
Riquelme’s charm offensive from Buenos Aires
While Dybala waits for Roma to sweeten their offer, Boca Juniors have launched an aggressive charm offensive. Club president Juan Roman Riquelme and technical director Rodolfo Arruabarrena have personally phoned the 32-year-old to pitch their ambitious project. According to the same report, the two Argentinian icons stressed Dybala’s centrality to their plans, hoping to lure him back to his homeland for what would be a monumental coup for Argentine football.
For Boca, the timing is perfect. With the player available on a free transfer on July 1, and the European season concluded, they can offer an immediate starring role in the iconic blue and gold. Dybala has never hidden his affection for Argentine football, and the prospect of linking up with Riquelme—one of the country’s all-time great playmakers—carries undeniable emotional weight.
Juventus, Roma’s patience, and the Dybala conundrum
Complicating matters further is the lingering memory of Dybala’s successful stint at Juventus, who are reported to have recently sounded out his agent about a possible return. That avenue appears to be a secondary consideration for Dybala, but it serves as a convenient bargaining chip. Roma, however, remain calm in public, trusting that the player’s attachment to the club will eventually win the day.
The Giallorossi’s caution is not without basis; Dybala’s injury record—though much improved in 2025-26—has prompted the club to structure any new deal with heavy performance-related bonuses. Their offer reflects a bet that Dybala can stay fit and productive, while the player himself wants more guaranteed money, likely his last significant contract in Europe.
What next for La Joya?
The next week could prove decisive. Roma’s initial proposal reportedly expires at the end of June, meaning a resolution—whether a handshake in Rome or a flight to Buenos Aires—is imminent. Dybala has given no public indication that he is leaning towards Boca, but the silence from his camp is itself a message to the Giallorossi hierarchy: meet his terms, or risk losing him for nothing.
With the transfer window already rumbling, clubs across Europe are monitoring the situation. A player of Dybala’s technical gifts, available on a free, is a rare commodity. But for now, his heart remains in the Italian capital, even as the phone calls from Argentina grow more persistent.
Key Takeaways
- Paulo Dybala’s Roma contract expires in June, and the club has offered €2.3m/year plus bonuses—far below his €3m request.
- Boca Juniors president Juan Roman Riquelme and director Rodolfo Arruabarrena have contacted Dybala directly to sell their project.
- Juventus have also explored a potential return, but Dybala’s priority is reaching an agreement with Roma.
- The situation is expected to be resolved by the end of June, with Roma under pressure to bridge the financial gap.
Quick Facts
Player: Paulo Dybala
Current club: Roma (contract expiring)
Roma offer: €2.3m/yr + bonuses
Dybala demand: €3m/yr
Interested clubs: Boca Juniors, Juventus
Key figures: Juan Roman Riquelme, Rodolfo Arruabarrena, Ryan Friedkin, Tony D’Amico
