Pellegrini contract renewal talks intensify at Roma

Oriana Sabatini, wife of AS Roma forward Paulo Dybala, has addressed questions about the player's future at the club. When asked about what lies ahead, she stated: "The truth is that I don't know. As long as we're together, we'll be fine." She added that she does not want to rush him and believes he will follow what his heart tells him. Dybala remains a key figure in Roma's attacking lineup, and speculation about his future has been an ongoing topic. Sabatini's comments suggest the couple are taking a measured approach to any potential decisions regarding his career, with the focus on staying united whatever path emerges.

Paulo Dybala's future at AS Roma remains unclear as contract renewal discussions have made little progress. His wife, Oriana Sabatini, addressed speculation about the Argentine forward's next steps, saying: "Many people ask me, but the truth is I don't know. As long as we're together, we'll be fine. I'm not in a hurry. I know a footballer's career is very short and I understand our work is a bit more flexible in that sense. So I don't want to rush him. In the end, Paulo will do what his heart tells him." Dybala has not shown urgency to return to Argentina, particularly now that he has recovered from injury and is building match fitness. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini would retain the player, and Dybala would be willing to stay, but an economic agreement must be reached well below his current salary terms to satisfy the club. Boca Juniors continue to monitor the situation as a potential destination. The connection between Argentina and Roma remains strong, with recent statements from Dybala's family in his home country. His return from injury gives Roma hope of securing his services, but without a satisfactory contract resolution, uncertainty will persist. The coming weeks could prove decisive in determining whether the Joya remains in the Eternal City.

Roma is preparing for significant defensive changes this summer, with left-back Jayden Oosterwolde of Fenerbahce emerging as a potential target to replace Ivorian defender Ndicka if he departs. The 23-year-old Oosterwolde, who plays alongside Donyell Malen at international level, has become a regular starter in Turkey, appearing in 44 matches this season with 16 yellow cards. Turkish media outlets have reported keen interest from Roma and Bournemouth—managed by Tiago Pinto—in the defender's future. Fenerbahce is understood to value Oosterwolde at 20–25 million euros, with his contract secured until 2028. Ndicka has attracted attention from several European clubs, including Inter, alongside Premier League and Bundesliga sides. Should he leave, the sale would generate pure profit for Roma after accounting for the player's percentage. Oosterwolde's profile—a centre-back capable of playing left-back—mirrors key attributes of Ndicka. However, such an investment would be difficult to justify with Ndicka remaining at the club. Gianluca Mancini and Juan Hermoso are expected to stay and sign contract renewals, with manager Gasperini's backing. Matteo Ghilarski appears likely to remain, while Łukasz Ziolkowski could depart if suitable offers arrive. The club faces a busy transfer window across multiple positions, including attack and midfield.

Ryan Friedkin, vice president of AS Roma, is preparing to travel to Rome in the coming days to meet with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and discuss the club's strategic direction. The visit aims to address several key issues facing the Giallorossi as they plan for the 2026–27 season and beyond. According to reports, the agenda includes appointing a new sporting director to replace Massara, whose tenure is ending, determining the summer transfer budget and required player sales to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations, and establishing priorities for potential departures. Contract renewals for Lorenzo Pellegrini, Paulo Dybala, and Çetin are also on the table. Gasperini has reportedly requested a strong signal from ownership regarding the club's direction and infrastructure. The timing of Friedkin's visit reflects Roma's need to move decisively after delays in recent management decisions. The meetings are expected to lay the groundwork for Roma's future planning, with summer preparations and the transfer window looming. Setting a clear budget allocation and identifying which players may be sold to generate funds will be crucial as the club navigates Financial Fair Play obligations in the coming months.

Radja Nainggolan has reiterated his enduring love for AS Roma while reflecting on his time at the club during an interview on Sky Calcio Unplugged. The former midfielder discussed Roma's competitive ambitions during his era, acknowledging the squad's quality but highlighting their inability to compete with Juventus, particularly against their formidable three-man defensive line of Barzagli, Bonucci, and Chiellini. Nainggolan emphasized that Roma's objective should always be to finish in the top four, noting that current squad members such as Paulo Dybala are expected to make greater impact. Nainggolan reflected fondly on Roma's memorable Champions League encounter against Barcelona, recalling the atmosphere and belief within the squad that something special could happen. He recalled: "In that week we could feel something, a sensation that made us think something could happen." He also highlighted a missed penalty decision on Pellegrini that would be awarded with VAR technology. Beyond his playing career, Nainggolan expressed admiration for coach Luciano Spalletti, praising his tactical approach and communication style while suggesting Juventus could have challenged Inter more effectively had Spalletti been in place from the season's start.

Roma is preparing for a significant squad overhaul as Financial Fair Play constraints force the club to make difficult decisions. Departures are already settled for players who have not convinced, while others seek moves elsewhere. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini wants Mancini and Cristante to form the core of his squad, with both renewals close to completion. Donyell Malen will be permanently signed for 25 million euros, and Hermoso is expected to stay after his contract extension clause is formalized. Paulo Dybala has signaled his priority is remaining at the club, with the Boca offer considered a secondary option. On the transfer list for potential sales are Koné and Ndicka at the top, followed by Matías Soulé and Mile Svilar further down the pecking order. Lorenzo Pellegrini's situation differs slightly—the club had previously offered roughly one-third of his current salary, though circumstances may now be shifting. Roma will release all other loan players and is likely to lose El Shaarawy upon contract expiration. Celik is also in advanced negotiations with other clubs, though the significant gap between the club's asking price and incoming offers means his departure is not yet confirmed. Ryan Friedkin is expected in the city for meetings with Gasperini to plan the club's future direction, with numerous topics under discussion.