Paulo Dybala, the Argentine forward who joined AS Roma after leaving Juventus, has reportedly turned down a significant offer from Al Qadsiah, a club competing in the Saudi Pro League. The proposal from the Saudi side included triggering a €12 million release clause in his contract, which is only valid during specific windows, and offering a substantial salary to entice the player.
Dybala Declines Lucrative Saudi Offer
Al Qadsiah aimed to activate Dybala’s release clause, which is set at €12 million for non-Italian clubs from January 1-15 and July 1-31. Despite the financial appeal of the offer, Dybala took time to consider it with his representatives. However, he ultimately decided to decline the move, signaling his commitment to staying at Roma.
Dybala’s decision reflects not just his loyalty to the club but also his belief in the project at Roma under coach José Mourinho. The forward, who has become a fan favorite since his arrival, reportedly felt that remaining in Europe and continuing to compete in Serie A and European competitions aligned better with his career aspirations than moving to the Saudi Pro League.
Release Clause Expiry Shifts Power to Roma
With the expiration of the release clause, any club interested in acquiring Dybala’s services will now have to negotiate directly with Roma. The club retains full control over any potential transfer, which strengthens their position as they look toward the future. The clause had been a potential vulnerability for Roma, but with it no longer active, the club can now dictate the terms of any discussions regarding Dybala’s future.
This shift in power dynamics also comes as a relief for Roma supporters, who were concerned about losing one of their key players for a relatively low fee. The expiry of the clause means that any interested parties must now engage with Roma, likely driving up the price and allowing the club to secure a deal that reflects Dybala’s true market value.
Future Contract Talks Likely
Dybala’s current contract with Roma is set to expire in June 2025, which means that discussions about extending his stay are expected to take place soon. After a successful season where he made 39 appearances, scoring 16 goals and providing 10 assists, Dybala remains a key player for the team. His decision to stay at Roma underscores his commitment to the club, where he has become an integral part of the squad since arriving in the summer of 2022.
