Paulo Dybala‘s story at AS Roma has always been tinged with promise and uncertainty, a duality that now defines his career. Once hailed as one of Serie A’s brightest talents, the Argentine playmaker finds himself at the center of transfer speculation again, this time linked to Turkish giants Galatasaray. Reports of meetings between Dybala’s agent, Carlos Novel, and Galatasaray officials in Istanbul have reignited questions about his future.
Galatasaray’s interest comes at a critical moment. With Mauro Icardi sidelined by a knee injury, they see Dybala as the ideal creative force to fill the void. The club has reportedly offered a $10.5 million annual salary, a lucrative proposition reflecting their urgency. Yet Dybala’s current contract complicates the move. Set to expire in June 2025, it includes an automatic one-year extension if he plays seven more games of at least 45 minutes each. This clause leaves Roma balancing financial concerns with the potential loss of their most talented player.
For Galatasaray, is Dybala a risk worth taking?
Roma manager Claudio Ranieri has publicly expressed his desire to retain Dybala, though he remains pragmatic. “I like having Dybala in Rome, but if the player has other priorities and doesn’t want to stay, it’s good to comply with his wishes.” So far, Ranieri claims Dybala has shown no inclination to leave, but loyalty in football is rarely static. Roma’s struggles this season, combined with Dybala’s limited impact—just two goals in 18 games—have only fueled uncertainty.
In Istanbul, Galatasaray’s fans are torn. Some welcome Dybala’s flair and skill, viewing him as the perfect addition to their attack. Others express skepticism, citing his injury history and comparisons to past high-profile signings like Wilfried Zaha and Hakim Ziyech, whose performances have fallen short of expectations. Signing another aging star carries undeniable risk, but Galatasaray’s ambition to bolster their squad remains clear.
Adding a layer of intrigue are whispers of Dybala’s potential return to Argentina. His wife, Oriana Sabatini, joked that their friend Leandro Paredes had encouraged them to join Boca Juniors. While her comments were lighthearted, they ignited excitement among Boca fans. For now, however, returning to his homeland seems unlikely, with Boca’s vice-president, Juan Román Riquelme, dismissing the speculation.
Dybala’s next move hinges on the priorities of both Roma and Galatasaray. For Roma, selling him in January could ease financial strain, particularly if Galatasaray pays a transfer fee rather than waiting for a free transfer in the summer. However, losing their most skilled player mid-season would severely blow morale. Roma sit 12th in the Serie A. For Galatasaray, securing Dybala means taking on the risk of his injuries but gaining a marquee player who can redefine their attack. The pairing with Dries Mertens already has fans dreaming.
