Gasperini to scout Primavera talents during pre-season

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.

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.