Fenerbahçe withdraws from Greenwood race; Roma favourites for England forward

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.

Paulo Dybala arrived back at Rome's Fiumicino airport in the late afternoon, his expression and demeanor radiating contentment as he returned to what has become his second home. Despite the visible happiness, Dybala offered measured words on his contract situation: "On the renewal, we still cannot confirm." He added that the club will need to take the first step in officially extending his stay, and pledged to greet supporters when they meet: "When I see them, I will say hello to them!" He did not comment on discussions with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who pushed strongly for his continued presence in the capital. Dybala will report for pre-season training at the Fulvio Bernardini tomorrow. Matías Soulé also returned from Argentina on the same flight as Dybala, though his outlook contrasts sharply with his teammate's. When asked about his future at Roma, Soulé replied: "If I stay at Roma? I don't know, I've just got back." The winger had been close to a move to Saudi Arabia in late June when the club needed to sell to meet settlement agreement obligations, but that deal fell through. Unlike Dybala's evident emotional connection, Soulé appeared more detached about his situation, leaving his immediate future uncertain.

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.