Juventus have initiated contact with the representatives of Paulo Dybala regarding a return to Turin this summer. The Argentine forward, affectionately known as ‘La Joya’, is currently locked in protracted contract negotiations with Roma, but the Bianconeri are monitoring the situation closely.
Dybala enjoyed a highly successful seven-year stint at Juventus, where he established himself as a fan favourite. During his time in Turin, he claimed five Serie A titles, four Coppa Italia trophies, and two Supercoppa Italiana crowns before departing for the capital on a free transfer in the summer of 2022.
With his current agreement at the Stadio Olimpico set to expire at the end of June, Roma are keen to retain his services but require the 32-year-old to accept a substantial pay cut from his previous salary. Reports suggest Juventus have made exploratory inquiries to understand the financial parameters required to secure a deal, keeping the door open for an unexpected reunion if talks with Roma break down.
The primary obstacle in Paulo Dybala’s contract renewal with Roma is the financial structure of the new deal. Under his current terms, the forward has been earning a hefty base salary of around €7 million per season. However, Roma’s latest offer reflects a strict cost-cutting approach, offering a reduced fixed base salary of €2 million to €2.5 million per season, with additional performance-related bonuses based on appearances and goal contributions. While the player’s camp is reportedly holding out for a fixed €3 million plus bonuses, the financial gap has caused negotiations to stall just weeks before his contract expires.
Despite enduring an injury-disrupted 2025–26 campaign that sidelined him for three months, Dybala remains a pivotal figure in Italy. Under the stewardship of Gian Piero Gasperini, Roma managed to secure a coveted Champions League qualification spot for next season, with Dybala finishing the domestic campaign strongly by registering crucial assists in his final three matches. Gasperini remains eager to pair the creative Argentine with forward Donyell Malen to spearhead Roma’s European and domestic charge next term, making his potential departure a significant blow to the Giallorossi.
Juventus’s late entry into the frame introduces a fascinating tactical and narrative twist. Under Thiago Motta, the Bianconeri are looking to inject versatile attacking flair into their squad ahead of a demanding season that includes a return to the Champions League and the revamped FIFA Club World Cup. Securing Dybala on a free transfer would not only provide high-calibre technical quality but also represent a major psychological victory over a domestic rival, capitalising on Roma’s hesitation to meet the Argentine’s wage demands.
