Love lasts three years. Or a little more regarding AS Roma and Paulo Dybala. A footballer who has always been rather loyal to his clubs. After spending nine years at the Instituto de Cordoba in Argentina, the native of Laguna Larga joined Palermo where he played between 2012 and 2015. Then, he experienced a very beautiful and long passion of seven years with the Old Lady. We also thought that he would not stay in Italy after the end of their story. But Dybala finally signed for La Louve in 2022. A new adventure for La Joya (the jewel, editor’s note), who participated in 38 matches in all competitions during his first year in the Italian capital, including 29 as a starter.
Regarding his statistics, the 2022 world champion scored 18 goals and delivered 8 assists. Pretty decent for a rookie, who was bothered by a few injuries during his season. In fact, the player was stopped 5 times, between muscle problems, hamstring discomfort and ankle problems. He thus missed 18 matches and 71 days of competitions. The next year started as it ended: in the infirmary. The Argentinian suffered 6 injuries during the 2023-24 financial year, missing 101 days and 22 matches. Which was not good news for the Giallorossi and the Albiceleste. When he has been fit, Dybala has scored 16 goals and provided 10 assists in 39 club appearances.
362 days of absence at Roma
Last year, La Joya was a little less decisive with 8 goals and 4 assists in 36 matches. Once again, his injuries disabled him. He suffered 6 (149 days of absence and 16 missed matches in total), including a very heavy one since he suffered a torn tendon which ended his season (107 days of absence). A season during which his future was at the center of debate. Seriously courted by Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia, the 32-year-old player was tempted by a 3-year offer with a salary of €15 million net per season. An agreement was almost reached between the Saudi club and him in January 2025. But ultimately, Dybala, who received a huge wave of love from La Louve fans, decided to stay.
Under the orders of a new coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, he began a new season in Rome. His fourth. But like the previous ones, it is marked by injuries. Affected with an ischial muscle last September (19 days of absence, 4 missed matches), he was then slowed down by an injury to the leg flexor muscle in November (22 days of absence, 3 missed matches). Fragile, the Argentinian has been used 13 times this season, but only 7 times as a starter. In the last match against Como on December 15, he remained on the bench without coming on. However, Gasperini sent him to warm up and many expected his entry. This was the case of Tuttosportwhich evokes unease around the player.
In Gasperini’s viewfinder
“Gasperini believes that Paulo is no longer essential to Roma. During Roma’s last match, Monday against Como, the star spent 40 minutes of the second half warming up, without even coming on for a few seconds, while Roma had only made two changes. After the meeting, Gasperini did not spare him a dig.” Indeed, the Italian coach confided: “Usually I make five changes, but here it was difficult to touch the ball. This should also motivate Paulo, who is an extraordinary player. When he is fit and sprinting, dribbling and shooting, there is no one in Italy with his quality. Maybe he’ll be ready for Sunday’s game, even as a former player. We’ll see how he trains.”
Criticized by his coach, Dybala must show a better face and also be in better shape to play. This is the opinion of Michele Tossani, journalist for the Corriere della Sera And Tuttosport. “Dybala is fragile like a crystal glass. This is the reason why he plays less. We have to take care of him because he cannot play every match. He is constantly at risk of injury.” This is also one of the points that swings in the balance at a time when his future is once again at the center of the game. Unlike last year when the Giallorossi did everything for him to stay and refuse a golden bridge in Saudi Arabia, a departure is not excluded.
A future that plays out in 2026
A few days ago, La Gazzetta dello Sport revealed that he will walk free next June. A departure in January would not be in his plans, he who is waiting for a happy event and who does not wish to move for this reason. This Thursday, Tuttosport goes in the same direction and explains that it will not be extended. The Italian media adds that the only club to have come forward for him at the moment is Boca Juniors. A club that appeals to Dybala, who would not be against a return to the country where he would find his friend Leandro Paredes. The Argentine team would like to recruit him this winter, but his salary of €8 million per year would be a hindrance. Tuttosport adds that Boca Juniors would like him to opt for the same strategy as Paredes, who forced the hand of La Louve.
But on the side of Corriere dello Sportwe assure that this is perhaps not yet the end of the story between Dybala and AS Roma. Indeed, the transalpine publication reveals that the sports director, Frédéric Massara, has postponed all extension files until next spring, including that of the Argentinian. Concerning him, the CdS specifies that he is ready to stay in Rome and make financial concessions. Which would go in the direction of La Louve who will impose a substantial salary cut on Dybala if she ultimately wishes to extend it. All options are clearly on the table, in one camp or the other. It remains to be seen whether love will be reborn in the coming months or whether a divorce will put an end to 4 years of passion.
