Dybala signs new Roma contract as fans hail 'gesture of love'

Ryan Friedkin, vice-president of The Friedkin Group, arrived at Roma's Fulvio Bernardini training centre on Tuesday morning to oversee the squad and push forward the club's transfer strategy. The visit came a day after the club resumed pre-season work, welcomed by supporters at their headquarters in Trigoria. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini had signalled the importance of the owners' presence in a radio interview with Rai Radio 1. "The presence of the owners will be fundamental, because the market is made of decisions and immediate responses," Gasperini said. "We all hope to make a good market and give answers to the enthusiasm of a city that has already done so many season-ticket sales." The emphasis on swift decision-making underlines Roma's intent to strengthen the squad ahead of the new season.

Rome radio commentators have weighed in on Roma's transfer priorities, with Carina expressing a preference for winger Moreira over Garnacho and backing a significant investment in the player. Speaking on Radio Radio Mattino, Carina said: "Between Garnacho and Moreira, the latter convinces me more. Garnacho had a strong start at Manchester United but has struggled in the last two years. Moreira gives me the impression of being another Wesley, someone who can play equally on the right or left. He's a player I would invest 30 to 35 million euros in. Yesterday I heard a Gasperini who seems ready to make his voice heard." Former Roma striker Pruzzo also addressed the midfield on Radio Radio Mattino, signalling the need for reinforcement. He stated: "In the market there is the possibility of finding a player with Koné's characteristics. At midfield Roma must do something, because Cristante's tempo is what it is." The comments suggest internal concern over the current squad's rhythm and creativity in the centre of the park. Orsi, also speaking on Radio Radio Mattino, countered the Garnacho option by backing squad continuity. He preferred retaining Soulé, saying: "It's a player you can cultivate and, aside from physical problems, I think he can improve a lot. It makes no sense to invest in a young player you offload the following year."

Roma's pursuit of Alejandro Garnacho depends significantly on Chelsea's willingness to negotiate, according to radio pundit Lorenzo Pes. Speaking on Teleradiostereo, Pes assessed the likelihood of the transfer materialising at 50 per cent, suggesting that if Chelsea open the door to a loan arrangement, Roma would have genuine scope to complete the deal. He identified a further variable in the negotiations: Moreira. Meanwhile, fellow radio commentator Nando Orsi, speaking on Radio Radio Mattino, expressed a preference for keeping Matías Soulé over pursuing Garnacho. Orsi believes Soulé has scope for considerable improvement under Gian Piero Gasperini, notwithstanding existing fitness concerns. He questioned the rationale behind Roma's substantial investment in Soulé if the club were simply to replace him. Roman radio stations remain a distinctive cultural phenomenon in Italian football, hosting a wide array of journalists, former players, and opinion-formers who shape public discourse around the club's transfer activity and squad decisions.

Paulo Dybala has signed a contract extension with Roma running until 2027 on terms of 2 million euros plus bonuses, with an option to extend based on appearances. The Argentine forward described responsibility, honour, and beauty as the three qualities representing what Roma means to him, saying: "The story continues. It was what we all wanted: the club, me, the fans. I'm happy to play another season here, another year in this city and country. It's a privilege to wear the Roma shirt. There are also many personal reasons why I want to stay here and defend these colours. As I've said, it's a great honour. I'm looking forward to spending this year with you, seeing you again at the Olimpico and in all the other cities we'll visit away. And I can't wait to hear that little tune we're all waiting for. We'll all look at each other, us on the pitch, you in the stands, and we'll be very proud of what we do on these Champions League nights." The deal was handled by agent Novel and KMB Sports intermediaries led by Kristian Bereit. Zeki Çelik's return to Trigoria is imminent, with an announcement expected soon. Lorenzo Pellegrini awaits final feedback from the Friedkin family on a proposed two-year renewal with an option for a third. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is now focused on the transfer market. Diego Moreira from Strasbourg remains a priority—described as a versatile midfielder with significant potential—though Roma must narrow the valuation gap. Tresoldi at Bruges is also under consideration, with Brugge demanding a high fee. Garnacho, currently in Chelsea's "Bomb Squad," is another target; Xabi Alonso has confirmed multiple clubs are interested, and Roma is waiting for the right moment and conditions. Summerville has also re-entered Roma's thinking, alongside wider options.

Roma's 2026–27 season got underway at the Trigoria training ground as players arrived for pre-season, drawing around 100 supporters to Piazzale Dino Viola on a hot summer day with temperatures reaching 34 degrees in the afternoon. The first arrivals included Ghilardi, Angeliño, and Soulé, with supporters greeting the squad enthusiastically throughout the morning. Coach Gasperini arrived without signing autographs or posing for photos but opened his car window to acknowledge the fans. Pisilli drew particular acclaim from the gathering, while Wesley, described as one of the squad's brightest stars, spent time engaging with the crowd despite the heavy gathering around his vehicle. Other squad members including Gollini, Mancini, Dovbyk, Svilar, Hermoso, Vaz, Rensch, Ziółkowski, and Cristante all passed through during the session. Some players, including Dybala, Kumbulla, Mannini, Reale, and Pagano, arrived discreetly. One supporter praised Dybala's commitment, saying: "He gave proof of a great gesture of love towards the city and fans, accepting the salary reduction." The atmosphere captured the renewed optimism surrounding the club as preparation for the new campaign began.

Roma started serious preparation for the 2026–27 season on Monday with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini naming a 17-man squad for initial training at Trigoria. Paulo Dybala featured in the group and marked his contract renewal with a short interview on Roma's official channels. Wesley returned to training immediately following the injury that forced him to miss the World Cup, training alongside teammates in the new kit that showcases the restored classic crest. Gasperini was accompanied by sporting director Tony D'Amico. The initial squad includes four goalkeepers—Svilar, Gollini, De Marzi, and Vasquez—and seven defenders: Angeliño, Ghilardi, Hermoso, Mancini, Rensch, Wesley, and Ziolkowski. Çelik will join on 18 August after completing his holiday following his contract renewal, while N'Dicka is due to arrive on 22 August. Only Pisilli and Cristante are currently available in midfield, with El Aynaoui expected on 30 August and Koné's arrival date to be confirmed pending the end of the World Cup. The attacking line features Dybala, Dovbyk, Soulé, and Vaz, with Dybala the only forward certain to remain at the club long-term. The squad is staying overnight at Fulvio Bernardini training centre and will undergo a double session today—training at 08:00 and 18:00. Roma have also opened ticket sales for their first official pre-season match at Cannes on 26 July at Pierre de Coubertin stadium, with visiting supporters' tickets priced at €15 each through AS Cannes' official website.