“Nobody is more important than Roma; that is crucial.” Daniele De Rossi emphasized to the press amid numerous questions about Paulo Dybala’s future.
Roma couldn’t have faced worse timing. La Joya’s tenure in the capital is ending, and their season is set to begin in less than 24 hours. This follows a massive salary offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah, which includes a three-year contract worth approximately €60 million. It’s life-changing money, a figure few players could refuse for their families.
For the Giallorossi, this situation presents a challenge beyond finding a replacement attacker. They’re also losing a player who is deeply cherished by their fans. Arguably Roma’s second most talented player ever, his jersey sales have generated €1.5 million at the club’s official stores from his arrival in 2022 through the end of 2023. Now, the streets of Rome are filled with pleas to keep him, with banners displayed above highways and graffiti appearing in alleyways. Social media makes it seem like a disaster.
But Roma will manage. De Rossi gently reminded the press that no player is bigger than the club, expressing some concern that the situation might distract his players. He urged them to stay focused on the upcoming match against Cagliari. It’s important to consider the broader context of this summer; apart from Dybala’s situation, Roma had a strong transfer window, bolstering their squad significantly. Ironically, they are well-stocked in attacking creativity, thanks to the additions of Matías Soulé and Enzo Le Fée.
Soulé’s Impact and Dybala’s Departure: What Roma Faces
The Roma legend-turned-manager noted how coaches often focus on specific statistics, highlighting Soulé’s impressive record from last season, where he led Serie A in chances created and successful dribbles. While Roma’s fans will need time to recover from Dybala’s departure, the 21-year-old Matías Soulé is poised to make a significant impact. Although it’s premature to think about it, the No. 10 shirt still hangs in Trigoria, waiting for the ideal fantasist. With a long-term contract and a promising future, the idea of Soulé stepping into that role is worth considering. His greater mobility than Dybala could help maintain team structure and reduce the need for support from his side’s midfielder and right-back.
Although Dybala was considered to play centrally, this approach also presented challenges. Out of possession, De Rossi would need to reposition an additional wing-forward to cover the midfield, disrupting the balance of the formation. Two deep-lying midfielders would be under constant pressure without a more dynamic presence at the top of their triangle. If Dybala were used as a false nine, he would unlikely displace the marquee signing Artem Dovbyk from the starting role.
Reviewing these options reveals that Dybala’s tactical role in the team could have been better with the arrival of new signings, infusing a sense of hope and anticipation. However, it also brings to light the uncertainty that comes with his participation in only 57% of eligible matches last season. Including him in the lineup whenever he’s available could potentially disrupt the development of his fellow countryman and affect the overall cohesion of the attack.
With his salary rising to around €15 million gross this season and totaling €30 million over the next two years, this is a significant financial commitment for a club trying to manage its high wage bill. It’s a burden too great for a team that still needs to make moves in the market and address significant gaps in its squad, underscoring the weight of the decision to sell Dybala.
Roma will be okay without Dybala and possibly even stronger. That statement might have prompted some readers to exit this article quickly. Still, De Rossi made a point that all Romanisti should remember:
“A team 24 months ago sold Ruiz, Koulibaly, Mertens and Insigne and then won the Scudetto. I’m not saying that it will happen to us too, but I am saying that sometimes teams, even after losing strong players, rebuild themselves and win in an unexpected way.”
Back Your Star Player! Get the freshest updates and stories about your favorite football player.
Support Your Favorite Player
