Paredes: Dybala 'Very Keen' to Join Boca Juniors

José Mourinho has been officially appointed as head coach of Real Madrid after the club paid a €15 million release clause to Benfica. This represents a return to the Spanish club for Mourinho, who previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013. The deal was finalized following several days of negotiations, with Mourinho having already given his consent to the move. Mourinho's departure marks the end of his time at AS Roma, where he spent two and a half years in charge. During his tenure at the Stadio Olimpico, he guided the club to the UEFA Europa Conference League title in 2022 and maintained a strong connection with the fanbase. His appointment at Real Madrid represents a significant move in European football, reuniting him with one of the continent's elite clubs. Benfica released an official statement confirming the transfer: "Real Madrid has formally expressed its intention to hire José Mourinho for a sum equal to €15 million, with the coach having already given his consent. Thank you, José Mourinho." The managerial change at Roma comes as the club continues to develop under new leadership, with Gian Piero Gasperini currently at the helm.

AS Roma has resumed negotiations with Kerim Alajbegovic, a 2007-born winger at Bayer Leverkusen, following head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's backing for the move. The club is actively seeking to strengthen its attacking options ahead of the upcoming season. Alajbegovic impressed last season on loan at Salisburgo, recording 9 goals and 3 assists before Bayer Leverkusen exercised their option to reacquire him. Roma faces significant competition from English side Sunderland, where former Roma director Florent Ghisolfi holds influence and would like to bring Alajbegovic to the Premier League. The financial hurdle remains substantial: Bayer Leverkusen is reportedly demanding approximately €30 million for the Bosnian talent. While this fee is lower than the €50–55 million Marseille is asking for Mason Greenwood, it still represents a considerable investment for Roma as the club reshapes its squad under Gasperini's direction. The club's pursuit of multiple offensive reinforcements signals their intent to compete strongly in the coming campaign, though multiple suitors for the available targets may complicate matters.

Younès El Aynaoui, a former professional tennis player, has spoken about his son Neil's development in an interview with Belgian broadcaster RTBF. The father discussed Neil's ambitions and his move to Roma, noting that his son was keen to find playing space at a major club. Details of Neil's specific role at Roma remain unclear from the available information.

Roma's incoming sporting director Tony D'Amico will need to reinforce the defence alongside the planned attacking overhaul, with the club facing potential squad gaps depending on Ndicka's future. Although the attack is the primary focus—built around Malen and Dybala with Pellegrini in support—the defence will require significant investment. The backline was Roma's strongest asset under Gasperini's management this season, forming the foundation for Champions League qualification, but numerical reinforcement is essential. With Kumbulla set to return, Ziolkowski departing for game time, and Ndicka's status uncertain due to Financial Fair Play concerns, Roma would be left with only four senior centre-backs (Hermoso, Mancini, Ghilardi, and possibly Ndicka) for a demanding season requiring at least two players per position. That would leave two additional defenders short. Several targets have been identified. Oosterwolde is viewed as a promising profile but carries a price tag of €20–25 million, becoming viable mainly if Ndicka departs. Bologna's Lucumì, available on an expiring contract, is another option at roughly €20 million—far lower than Bologna's initial €28 million demand. Solet represents an ideal profile but costs at least €25 million and Inter are already advanced in negotiations. Muharemovic is ready to leave Sassuolo, though domestic competition is driving up his price. Gasperini has been clear that Roma needs experienced, quality defenders—both a high-level starter and a reliable backup.

Wesley has suffered an adductor muscle injury and will miss international duty. Roma are exploring transfer options, with Paixao under consideration as a potential target. Paulo Dybala's contract renewal negotiations are reportedly in their final stages, with details remaining unclear on the exact timeline and terms. The injury to Wesley represents a blow to the squad's attacking depth during the international break.

Paulo Dybala's contract renewal with AS Roma is in its final stages, with negotiations described as substantially concluded and only formal details remaining before an official announcement. The Argentine forward has expressed his desire to continue at Roma, and the club shares his commitment to building the team around his talent. Both parties see Roma's recent qualification for the Champions League as an additional incentive to proceed together. Gasperini, the newly appointed head coach, is reportedly eager to begin work with certainty that Dybala will be available from the start of pre-season. Dybala is prepared to extend his stay for two additional seasons, a move viewed as significant for the club's present and future ambitions. The player aims to replicate his previous impact—delivering crucial assists and performances that helped restore Roma to European football's elite competition. According to reports from Matteo Moretto, the atmosphere surrounding negotiations remains positive with no obstacles on the horizon. Fans and the coaching staff await only the formal announcement to complete the process. The renewal represents continuity in Roma's midfield leadership at a pivotal moment for the club as it prepares for its Champions League campaign.