Dybala returns smiling, Soulé uncertain over Roma future

Paulo Dybala has accepted a salary reduction of over one-third to remain at Roma, earning two million euros for the coming season. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini pressed strongly for the Argentine forward's stay. Dybala's renewal option for the following year is contingent on him playing at least 45-minute appearances, with additional bonuses tied to performance metrics. Two years ago, Dybala rejected lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia that would have tripled his wages; today he accepts substantially less to stay at the club. The decision underscores the commitment Dybala has shown to Roma since his arrival. Gasperini championed his retention through both the previous summer and this transfer window, with the club backing the manager's judgment. Dybala would earn roughly one-tenth of what he might command elsewhere, a sacrifice that reflects his emotional connection to the Giallorossi. Lorenzo Pellegrini, the club captain, has similarly agreed to a wage cut to remain at Roma. Pellegrini, who turned 30, is negotiating contract length with his representatives: the club seeks two years while his entourage requests three, though any new deal will be at a reduced salary.

Gian Piero Gasperini will have a close look at AS Roma's youth prospects during the summer training camp, which begins tomorrow at Trigoria. While the club pursues transfer targets, Gasperini will be able to call Primavera players to train alongside the first team on a daily basis. Although sessions will be held on separate pitches, the head coach will have a direct view of the young squad's development. Mattia Guaglianone, a 2010-born prospect, has signed his first professional contract and will have the opportunity to impress Gasperini, though he will not officially attend the first-team camp. Structural changes are underway in the youth academy following Margiotta's appointment as director. Mattia Scala will replace Guidi as Primavera coach—becoming the youngest U20 coach in the club's history—while the club works to resolve the contract situation of the outgoing Tuscan tactician, who has one year remaining on his deal. Roma will face local opposition during the early phase of preparations before European tests begin in late July. On Sunday 26 July at 18:00, Roma play Cannes at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin (a club owned by the Friedkin Group). Further fixtures follow: Cardiff on 1 August, Newport on 4 August, Brighton on 8 August, and Borussia Dortmund on 15 August.

Nine players assembled during Gian Piero Gasperini's first season at Roma have combined for 100 appearances across Serie A and cup competitions but have failed to establish themselves as regular contributors. Pierluigi Gollini featured only once, against Panathinaikos in January's final Europa League group stage match. Angeliño made brief appearances against Celtic and Panathinaikos before a March return to the Olimpico against Lecce, where he saw limited action in the run-in. Robinio Vaz, signed for 20 million euros plus 5 million in bonuses in January alongside Donyell Malen, scored his sole Roma goal against Lecce but has proven too raw for immediate impact as deputy striker. Bryan Zaragoza arrived on loan from Bayern Munich in January and impressed on his second appearance, starting against Napoli and providing an assist for Malen's opening goal from the seventh minute, yet proved costly when he came on in Roma's Europa League elimination against Bologna in extra time. Lorenzo Venturino, an 18-year-old winger on loan from Genoa, saw limited use due to his age. Evan Ferguson, signed on loan with a purchase option from Brighton, closed the season with 40 combined appearances across both strikers; the 20-year-old's campaign ended in January after injury and limited backing from Gasperini. Artem Dovbyk meanwhile struggled to meet the technical demands of the role and reappeared late in the season with only two minutes in the final two matches.

Paulo Dybala has accepted a salary reduction of over one-third to remain at Roma, earning two million euros for the coming season. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini pressed strongly for the Argentine forward's stay. Dybala's renewal option for the following year is contingent on him playing at least 45-minute appearances, with additional bonuses tied to performance metrics. Two years ago, Dybala rejected lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia that would have tripled his wages; today he accepts substantially less to stay at the club. The decision underscores the commitment Dybala has shown to Roma since his arrival. Gasperini championed his retention through both the previous summer and this transfer window, with the club backing the manager's judgment. Dybala would earn roughly one-tenth of what he might command elsewhere, a sacrifice that reflects his emotional connection to the Giallorossi. Lorenzo Pellegrini, the club captain, has similarly agreed to a wage cut to remain at Roma. Pellegrini, who turned 30, is negotiating contract length with his representatives: the club seeks two years while his entourage requests three, though any new deal will be at a reduced salary.

Roma's training ground at Trigoria reopens officially tomorrow as the club begins pre-season under Gian Piero Gasperini. The squad will not arrive at full strength, with captain Lorenzo Pellegrini among notable absentees. Pellegrini is sidelined by a recurrence of an injury suffered in May that requires continued caution, though contract renewal talks are progressing in parallel. The midfielder and the club have already agreed on a two-year deal with an option for a third season, leaving only a minor financial gap of approximately €500,000 to bridge. The negotiations are expected to conclude soon with what is being termed a 'white smoke' moment of agreement. Defender Zeki Çelik is also absent, extending his post-tournament rest following international commitments, though he is close to signing a contract extension. Meanwhile, Paulo Dybala's recent contract renewal has been confirmed, and he will participate fully in pre-season as Roma look to build momentum for the campaign ahead.

Roma have shown sustained interest in Diego Moreira for over a month, with head coach Gasperini viewing the Strasbourg winger as a valuable option to pair with Wesley on the flanks. Moreira's versatility—capable of playing in four different roles including attacking positions—appeals to the club, but Strasbourg's elevated asking price for the 2004-born player presents a significant obstacle to any transfer. The club's primary focus remains strengthening the attack, and if Strasbourg do not lower their valuation, sporting director D'Amico will redirect attention to more affordable targets. Alejandro Garnacho has emerged as an alternative, though Chelsea's €50 million asking price is considered excessive by Roma, who have already explored the possibility of a loan with an option to buy or a conditional obligation. Roma are also working to sign Tresoldi from Bruges for €25 million. On the contract front, renewals for Zeki Çelik and Paulo Dybala are complete, while Lorenzo Pellegrini's situation remains unresolved. Pellegrini has not yet recovered fully from injury recurrence and was unable to train with the squad during the first session of the new season.