In her 1989 hit, Gloria Estefan warned us that love cuts both ways, that we “Can’t be together, can’t be apart. We’re heading straight into a broken heart.” While the former Miami Sound Machine frontwoman was addressing the swings and roundabouts of a rocky relationship, we can apply those same lessons to the impending end of Paulo Dybala’s tenure at Roma.
Dybala’s four-year tenure at the club is nearing its end, with only six weeks remaining before his 32-year-old contract expires at the end of June. Despite ongoing rumors of new agreements, Dybala’s laments about leaving Roma have struck an Estefan-like chord with fans, especially after his remarkable display in the thrilling 3-2 win over Parma. Witnessing another exemplary Dybala performance while accepting the possibility of his departure was a mix of pride and sadness for Giallorossi supporters.
However, there may be hope on the horizon. According to sources in Italy, notably the Gazzetta dello Sport, Dybala and Roma are discussing a new one-year, incentive-laden deal that would keep La Joya in Giallorossi colors for another season. The story holds that Dybala will accept a massive cut from his current €8 million salary to a more club-friendly €2 million rate, with bonuses tied to everything from appearances to goals to jersey sales.
Taking it a step further, the Corriere della Sera suggests that Dybala’s representatives will meet with Ryan Friekdin to iron out the details. While nothing is official, these are certainly encouraging signs; Dybala at a cut rate is certainly better than no Dybala at all.