Paulo The decision comes amid advanced negotiations with the Xeneize club, led by president Juan Román Riquelme. The player, whose contract with the Italian team ends in June 2026, can sign a pre-agreement from January.
Boca Juniors secured a place in the group stage of Libertadores by finishing among the leaders of Torneo Clausura. Dybala, an avowed fan of the club since childhood, sees the continental competition as a chance to return to South American football with title ambitions. Roma, in turn, is evaluating renewal, but the Argentine’s recent injuries complicate his stay.
The red and black board, which won Campeonato Brasileiro and Libertadores itself in 2025, probed the player in recent months. High-salary Propostas have been prepared, but Dybala’s focus on an emotional return to Argentina prioritizes Boca.
💣🔵🟡 𝗣𝗔𝗨𝗟𝗢 𝗗𝗬𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗔 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗔 𝗝𝗨𝗚𝗔𝗗𝗢𝗥 𝗗𝗘 𝗕𝗢𝗖𝗔.
— Boquita of my life (@boquitaoficial_)December 11, 2025
➡️ There will be an intention in energy. En if it is not concrete, it will arrive in June post Mundial.
ℹ️ (Via@Nicoambrogi)
📸@AnaIyticsCABJ pic.twitter.com/T7AiYM0bVg
Direct negotiations with Riquelme
Riquelme resumed direct contacts with Dybala on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Buenos Aires. The president of Boca emphasized the framework for an amicable termination with Roma, aiming for arrival in January or June.
The agreement depends on family approval, as wife Oriana Sabatini and those around her prefer European stability. Dybala has scored two goals in nine games for Roma this season despite physical problems.
Leandro Paredes, friend and teammate of Dybala on the Argentine national team, influences the choice. The midfielder, who returned to Boca in July 2025, convinces the striker to form a duo in the attacking midfield.
Contractual situation at Itália
Roma offers an extension until 2027, but with a salary reduction of 8 million euros per year net. Dybala, highest salary of Serie A, resists cuts and prioritizes minutes on the field.
Injuries limited the Argentine to short sequences, with just one assist recorded. The Italian board divides opinions: some defend permanence through technical leadership, others see the cycle as over.
Benfica and European clubs investigated, but the South American focus prevails. Dybala has expressed a desire to play for Bombonera in past interviews, which speeds up conversations.
Red-black interest cools
Flamengo planned a two-year contract, with the option of extension, for Dybala in 2026. The Rio team, current champion of Supercopa of Brasil, saw the Argentinean as an ideal complement to Arrascaeta and
Surveys took place via intermediaries in November 2025, but without concrete progress. The red-black board now redirects efforts to other names, such as Uruguayan Facundo Torres.
The victory over Cruz Azul by 2-1 in Mundial of Clubes, on December 10, reinforces the need for reinforcements. However, the dream with Dybala distances itself with the Argentine preference.
- Initial proposal: Salário of 250 thousand euros per week, similar to the current one.
- Duration: Dois years, with bonuses for titles in Libertadores.
- Obstacle: Preferência emotional for Boca and family logistics.
Influence of Paredes on the cast
Paredes activated the clause to return to Roma in July 2025, raising the level of Boca to Liga Profissional. Sua personal campaign for Dybala includes private conversations about adapting to Argentina.
The midfielder sees his friend as a partner for quick transitions, exploiting the opponent’s weaknesses. Juntos, they won Copa of Mundo in 2022, which strengthens professional ties.
Boca, with 26 points in Zona A from Clausura, uses Superclásico won 2-0 against River to motivate signings. Dybala would elevate the attack alongside Merentiel and Zeballos.
The Xeneize fans filled the Bombonera in 70% of the 2025 games, an average of 50 thousand paying fans. The arrival of an idol like Dybala would boost revenue from tickets and shirts.
Preparation for Libertadores 2026
The Boca targets the group stage at Libertadores, with the draw scheduled for February 2026 at Luque, Paraguai. Dybala, with experience in Champions League, would bring tactical vision to the knockout stages.
Coach Claudio Úbeda plans a 4-3-3 formation, with Dybala as false 9. Testes in pre-season friendlies will take place in January, at
Regional rivalries, such as against Flamengo, gain appeal. The Argentine club has won three Libertadores since 2000, the last in 2007, and sees Dybala as a chance for continental glory.
Other reinforcements on the agenda include defenders like Gustavo Gómez. The board balances finances, with revenue of 120 million dollars in 2025 via TV rights.
Salary and physical challenges
Dybala faces debate over salary: Boca offers 150 thousand euros per month, half the current amount, but with incentives for goals. Termination with Roma would cost 5 million euros, viable for xeneize.
Muscle problems will affect 40% of games in 2025, according to medical data. The Argentine staff plans a recovery regime in Buenos Aires for full fitness.
The family assesses the impact on their newborn daughter, prioritizing schools and safety. Conversas with Sabatini include visits to Bombonera for adaptation testing.
The Argentine participated in nine matches for Roma, with 70% possession in offensive actions. Sua vision of the game, with 85% successful passes, complements Úbeda’s style.
Repercussions on the South American market
The choice of Dybala for Boca frustrates Flamengo, who renewed with Everton Cebolinha until 2028 for a record salary of 1.2 million dollars per year. The red-black team is now targeting alternative markets.
At Argentina, the arrangement raises expectations for Clausura 2026, with games against River in March. The Conmebol expects 32 teams in the Libertadores, with a prize pool of 50 million dollars for the champion.
Clubs like Palmeiras and River monitor, but Boca leads in excitement. Dybala, with 150 goals in his European career, seeks a legacy in América of Sul.
The media impact includes newspaper covers and 2 million online searches within 24 hours following rumors. The fans organize campaigns on the networks to speed up the announcement.
