Roma's contract saga with Paulo Dybala is heating up, and the stakes couldn't be higher. Club vice-president Ryan Friedkin has returned to Rome to personally oversee negotiations with Dybala's agent, Carlos Novel, as the Giallorossi look to secure their star man's future ahead of a crucial Derby della Capitale.
The timing is everything. Novel arrived in the Italian capital on Friday evening and will take in Sunday's derby before formal talks begin in earnest. With Champions League qualification hanging in the balance, Roma are playing a high-stakes game—both on and off the pitch.
Inside the club's Trigoria training ground, there's cautious optimism. Dybala, who currently earns €8 million net per season, has shown no desire to leave Rome, putting rumors of a move to Boca Juniors or MLS firmly on the back burner. But the financial reality is stark: Friedkin has ordered a significant reduction in the wage bill, and the offer on the table reflects that.
The proposed deal? A two-year extension with a base salary slashed to between €2.5 and €3 million, supplemented by performance-related bonuses. It's a gamble for the Argentine, but one that could pay off if Roma secure a top-four finish. Champions League qualification would not only boost the club's coffers but also strengthen their hand in convincing Dybala to stay.
Manager Gian Piero Gasperini has made his stance clear: he wants Dybala to remain, alongside Lorenzo Pellegrini and Celik. That sporting backing adds momentum to the renewal talks. Meanwhile, Dybala has reportedly asked his wife Oriana to delay any return to Argentina by at least another year, signaling his commitment to the Roma project.
But before contracts come the derby. Dybala has a point to prove: he's scored zero goals in five appearances in this fixture and is desperate to change that record on Sunday. For a player who thrives on big moments, this could be the perfect stage to remind everyone why Roma are fighting so hard to keep him.
Whether it's a new deal or a derby winner, all eyes are on Dybala this weekend.