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The situation of Paulo Dybala continues to fuel speculation and doubts about its future, in a context that seems increasingly uncertain. The market rumors are insistent again, with the Galatasaray ready to try the shot again. The trip of Joya’s agent to Istanbul and the statements of the club’s vice-president, Metin Ozturk, who confirmed: “There are contacts”, are signals that leave little room for the imagination.
Claudio Ranieri, on the issue, offered conflicting signals: on the one hand he stated that he only wanted players who were happy to remain at Roma, underlining that the decision is entirely up to the player; on the other hand, he reiterated that he had not perceived any signs that indicated the Argentine’s desire to leave the capital. But what is the real situation? Let’s retrace Dybala’s last months to clarify.
Let’s start from last summer, when Joya seemed very close to moving to Saudi Arabia, only to then cancel everything at the last moment with that famous: “See you on Sunday…”, which sent the Roma fans into ecstasy. That was the first confirmation that, in the event of a suitable offer, even the team’s star would be expendable. The real reasons for that refusal, which still entailed an important economic effort for Roma – given the need to maintain his high salary and the possibility of an automatic renewal at higher figures – remain a mystery.
What is certain, however, is that for De Rossi, with whom the player had established an excellent relationship, Dybala was not functional to the 4-3-3 tried during the pre-season. The purchase of Soulé, in fact, cannot have been accidental. With the permanence of number 21, it was necessary to review the tactical plans, returning almost immediately to the three-man defence. Even with Juric we continued in this direction, but with a substantial change: the Croatian coach asked Joya for greater sacrifice in the defensive phase, such as pressing on the opposing ball carriers during the construction of the game.
With Juric’s departure and Ranieri’s arrival, Dybala was put back at the center of the project. The coach has repeatedly reiterated his appreciation for the player and his desire to always field him, without worrying about the contractual clauses. But what has changed since those statements?
Not much, at least apparently: Dybala continues to play and has shown no signs of wanting to leave Roma. However, his haul of two goals and an assist so far appears too small for a star of his calibre, and this could push all parties involved to ponder a possible farewell in the next transfer window.
