The next club of Paulo Dybala is known: The Argentine attacker is drawn to AS Roma and José Mourinho – and he is making sacrifices to do so.
Several top international clubs were courting Dybala, and for a long time Inter Milan seemed to be the most likely buyer. Now it is clear: The fine technician will stay in Italy after his departure from Juventus Turin on a free transfer – but will join AS Roma. “Paulo’s decision to join our project is proof of the club’s credibility and a sign of the hard work we are all doing together to move Roma forward,” Tiago Pinto, AS’s sporting director, is quoted as saying in the press release.
The capital club announced that Dybala has signed a three-year contract with the reigning Europa Conference League winners. According to converging media reports, Roma will pay the 28-year-old just under six million euros a year in wages – less than his initial demands.
Dybala says he chose Roma because of the “speed and determination” shown by the club: “How much they wanted me made the difference,” explains the newcomer, who will wear the number 21 in future – the same number he wears in the national jersey. He is particularly looking forward to the atmosphere at the Stadio Olimpico: “As an opponent, I’ve always admired the atmosphere of the Roma fans – now I can’t wait to greet them while wearing this jersey.”
At former club Juventus, where the Argentine international played for seven years, both parties had agreed in principle on a contract extension with an annual salary of eight million euros plus bonuses in October 2021. In the end, however, the deal fell through and Dybala left the Old Lady on a free transfer in the summer.
Replacement for Zaniolo?
At Roma, the left-footer now meets coach José Mourinho and an ambitious project. It is a privilege for him to work with the Portuguese, says Dybala. The international, who can be deployed flexibly in the offensive, is likely to be considered for the position behind striker Tammy Abraham. A position that has become vacant due to Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s move to Inter, but is also occupied by Nicolo Zaniolo.
According to Italian media reports, the tall attacking player, who like Dybala likes to play in the right attacking half of the field, is on the verge of leaving. Juventus, of all clubs, would like to sign the 23-year-old Italian. A circle could thus be closed.
