Pellegrini to miss Roma's pre-season return; contract talks continue

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.

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.

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 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.

Roma will reconvene at their Trigoria training ground tomorrow with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, though no new signings will be available. Paulo Dybala will be present after renewing his contract for another year, with the club to decide whether to activate an extension through 2028. Absent from the squad will be Lorenzo Pellegrini and Zeki Çelik, both still unsigned. Çelik is close to agreeing fresh terms and will take a break following World Cup duty, while Pellegrini awaits resolution on his deal. Negotiations around Pellegrini's contract remain ongoing, with optimism filtering through despite a gap of approximately 500,000 euros between the club's offer and his demands. The two sides have moved past disagreements over contract length, now settling on a two-year deal with an option for a third. Pellegrini would not have trained tomorrow regardless: a recurrence of an injury sustained during training before May's derby continues to trouble him.

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.

Roma will reconvene at their Trigoria training ground tomorrow with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, though no new signings will be available. Paulo Dybala will be present after renewing his contract for another year, with the club to decide whether to activate an extension through 2028. Absent from the squad will be Lorenzo Pellegrini and Zeki Çelik, both still unsigned. Çelik is close to agreeing fresh terms and will take a break following World Cup duty, while Pellegrini awaits resolution on his deal. Negotiations around Pellegrini's contract remain ongoing, with optimism filtering through despite a gap of approximately 500,000 euros between the club's offer and his demands. The two sides have moved past disagreements over contract length, now settling on a two-year deal with an option for a third. Pellegrini would not have trained tomorrow regardless: a recurrence of an injury sustained during training before May's derby continues to trouble him.

Lorenzo Pellegrini will not be present on Monday, 13 July for the start of Roma's pre-season at Trigoria. The number 7's absence stems from two factors: his contract situation, which remains under negotiation and not yet finalised, and an injury sustained late in the previous season that has not fully healed. Despite Pellegrini's absence from the opening day, Roma remain optimistic about the continuation of his future at the club. The contract talks are progressing well, with negotiations now down to the final details. Zeki Çelik is also in advanced discussions over a contract renewal. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is preparing to build a Roma side capable of competing in the Champions League, with the strategy centred on retaining key experienced players to build on the foundations established in the previous campaign.

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 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.