Argentine star Paulo Dybala confirmed on Thursday that he will stay with AS Roma, putting an end to weeks of rumors about a potential big-money transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah. Reports suggest Dybala declined a 75 million euro offer over three years. “Thank you, Rome… See you on Sunday,” he wrote in an Instagram post.
Paulo Dybala’s choice comes after a period of uncertainty regarding his future. He trained separately from Roma’s main squad on Thursday and was not included in the starting lineup for their Serie A opener against Cagliari last Sunday.
Paulo Dybala is entering the final year of his contract with Roma, but the agreement includes an automatic extension if he plays at least 15 official matches this season. He is set to earn 7.5 million euros, with an additional two million euros in bonuses and add-ons. Since his transfer from Juventus in 2022, Paulo Dybala has become a pivotal player for Roma, scoring 34 goals and providing 18 assists in 78 appearances.
Paulo Dybala To Stay At Roma
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Roma fans made their feelings known last week by staging protests outside the club’s training ground, urging the club not to sell their star player. Paulo Dybala’s decision to stay at Roma sparked a wave of excitement among fans, who gathered outside his home on Thursday night to celebrate the news.
Al Qadsiah, a newly promoted Saudi club with a star-studded lineup featuring former Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez and ex-Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, had made several attempts to sign Dybala during the summer transfer window. Paulo Dybala’s choice to remain at Roma was warmly welcomed by his teammate, Leandro Paredes, who plays for both Roma and Argentina. “For those who haven’t realized it, he’s staying with us,” Paredes posted.
What Made Him Change His Mind?
It was the moment of saying goodbye to his teammates, staff, and fans that played a key role in changing his mind. The emotional goodbyes, particularly with fellow Argentina international Leandro Paredes, Edoardo Bove, and new teammate Matias Soulé, deeply affected La Joya.
Receiving gifts from supporters outside the gates in recent days also touched him, while messages from Argentina urged him not to end his career in the Saudi Pro League before even turning 31. Gianluca Di Marzio also noted that Dybala’s wife Oriana and his mother were not keen on the idea of moving to Saudi Arabia, which influenced his decision as well. Roma had not yet accepted Al-Qadsiah’s offer, valued at 3m euros plus bonuses, and Daniele De Rossi made it clear that the decision was entirely up to Dybala. The coach consistently stated that Roma was above everyone, including himself, but was in no hurry to part ways with the Argentine star.
