Transfer market: Paulo Dybala stays with AS Roma

Despite a lucrative offer from Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia, which seemed all but finalized just hours before, the Argentine star made a last-minute decision to stay. This unexpected turn of events showcases how, in both football and life, it’s never too late to change one's mind.

The number 21 will continue to wear the Roma jersey, rejecting a staggering contract worth €75 million over three years. A sum that could sway almost anyone. The news, which broke around 8:30 PM yesterday, finally ended the saga that had kept Roma supporters on edge throughout most of August.

Roma fans rejoiced, proclaiming, "This Joya is still ours." Dybala, responding via social media, shared images of himself in the Roma colors, accompanied by the simple but powerful message: "See you on Sunday."

Indeed, on Sunday at the Stadio Olimpico, for Roma’s first home game of the season, Paulo Dybala will be there. Coach Daniele De Rossi, who has always regarded him as a phenomenon, will be delighted to keep working with him.

The drama unfolded at Trigoria, where just yesterday, the final chapter of this intense love story seemed to be written. Dybala, aware of the advanced state of negotiations with Saudi Arabia, had even trained separately in the gym, cautious about his next move. After the session, he bid farewell to his teammates and Roma staff at the Fulvio Bernardini Sports Center, seemingly for the last time.

An emotional conversation with his teammates followed, during which he felt their deep respect and affection, both as a man and a player. Leaving the training center, Dybala was greeted by a crowd of loyal fans, urging him to stay and follow his heart in a football world that often forgets such values.

And like in the best of fairy tales, just a few hours later, Dybala changed his mind. Perhaps it was the heartfelt conversations with his teammates, or the overwhelming love from the fans, or maybe the magic of the city itself - a city where today’s hero can quickly become yesterday’s news.

But not this time. This time, the heart won. Last night, the news sent Roma into a frenzy, with fans, journalists, and radio stations all buzzing. The city paused for a moment before erupting in celebration when the news broke: "The deal with Al-Qadsiah is off. Paulo Dybala remains a player of AS Roma."

Perhaps the best move of Roma's transfer window was simply this: keeping their star player, much to the delight of everyone involved.

Reflecting on the events of this drawn-out negotiation, which only concluded yesterday, the triangle between Rome, Saudi Arabia, and the United States continued despite lower offers from the Saudis.

Two major obstacles delayed the deal's closure during the brief window between Dybala's initial agreement and his final refusal. The first issue, discussed during a meeting at Trigoria the day before, concerned the percentage Roma owed to Dybala. Under a release clause active until July, he was entitled to 40% of the €12 million fee. His agent, Carlos Novel, requested that Roma also pay a portion of the proceeds from the transfer.

This hurdle was eventually overcome, but the second issue - Dybala's transfer fee - remained unresolved. When Roma's negotiators informed club president Dan Friedkin of Al-Qadsiah's €3 million offer, his response was a resounding "no."

The American president made it clear that Roma would not part with their prized asset for anything less than €12 million.

And so, at 8:25 PM, a video appeared on Dybala's Instagram, showcasing his best moments in a Roma jersey, captioned: "Thank you, Roma... see you on Sunday!"

What was likely a pre-prepared farewell message became an announcement of his continued presence.

It was a summer drama that took Roma fans from despair to euphoria in less than 24 hours.

Informed of Dybala's new decision, the club halted all negotiations, igniting celebrations across the city. Dybala brought joy to the Roma faithful, who gathered outside his home last night, cheering as he appeared at the window with his wife Oriana and mother Alicia to take in the scene.

The excitement spilled into the locker room as well, with players like Paredes, Soulé, Pellegrini, El Shaarawy, and Zalewski celebrating as if Dybala had just scored a goal.

It's pure joy in the Roma camp. This Sunday, against Empoli at the Olimpico, the fans will have the chance to explode with excitement for their "renewed" champion.