On July 26, 2022, Paulo Dybala was welcomed to AS Roma in a grand ceremony at the iconic EUR district, where around 10,000 passionate fans gathered to celebrate his arrival. The memory of his astonished expression, sitting on the steps before the crowd, and his tears after the heartbreak of losing the Europa League final to Sevilla on June 1, 2023, will forever be etched in the club’s history. However, on August 21, just two years after that unforgettable reception, Dybala has made a significant decision to accept a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah, which will see him earn around €75 million, including bonuses, over the next three years—a staggering sum that marks his exit from top-flight football.
Dybala leaves Roma after making 77 appearances and scoring 34 goals across Serie A and cup competitions during his two years with the club. Despite coming close to winning the Europa League, he could not help Roma secure a spot in the Champions League, even with the addition of Romelu Lukaku to the squad. The decision to leave is understandable; at 31 years old, Dybala’s best years may be behind him. The exceptionally talented player has struggled with injuries that have plagued his career, often forcing him to miss games and raising concerns about future fitness. Knowing he cannot compete for the Serie A title with Roma, he deemed it prudent to seek a new opportunity.
National team coach Lionel Scaloni has not called Dybala up for either the Copa America or upcoming fixtures for Argentina, opting for younger, healthier talents like Facundo Soulé. Dybala had included clauses in his contract allowing him to leave for offers from bigger clubs, but after two years of waiting for a call from the Premier League or La Liga, none came. His representatives made efforts this summer, but there was no interest from top teams, largely due to his injury history—he missed 23 out of 76 league matches, a third of the games. Now, he has seized the financial opportunity presented by Al-Qadsiah.
Roma has not resisted this change; although fans are disappointed to see such a gifted player leave, the financial implications of his wages—projected to exceed €30 million over the next two years—were too much for the club to shoulder, especially given his frequent injuries. As the club looks to the future, they have already begun planning with younger and healthier players like Soulé, who, while not at Dybala’s level yet, brings youth and potential without the financial burden.
Can Roma thrive without Dybala? Absolutely. The club can strengthen its squad with different types of players that fit the coach’s strategy, allowing for more variation in play. It is essential to avoid placing blame on Daniele De Rossi for Dybala’s departure; every party had their calculations, and no one is at fault here. If De Rossi can bring in skilled players with unique attributes, he can orchestrate a Roma team that is strong and entertaining.
The only risk for De Rossi is overcommitting to the club he loves, prioritizing its future over his own ambitions during this transitional phase.