By ROME — Argentina international Paulo Dybala is reportedly close to finalizing a lucrative transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah, potentially ending his tenure with Italian side AS Roma.
According to Sky Sport Italia, Dybala has reached an agreement with the Saudi Pro League team for a three-year contract worth €75 million ($81 million). The 30-year-old forward’s agent is expected to meet with Roma officials to negotiate his exit.
Roma now faces a decision on whether to accept an anticipated €3 million transfer fee from Al-Qadsiah, negotiate for a higher amount, or insist that Dybala fulfills the final year of his contract.
Dybala, a World Cup winner with Argentina, joined Roma on a free transfer from Juventus in 2022. He has scored 34 goals in 78 appearances for the capital club. In Roma’s Serie A season opener, a goalless draw against Cagliari, Dybala was used as a substitute, replacing Nicola Zalewski for the final 20 minutes.
The five-time Serie A champion’s potential move to Saudi Arabia continues a trend of high-profile players joining the Saudi Pro League. The league has attracted several international stars in recent months, significantly raising its global profile.
Al-Qadsiah is scheduled to begin its Saudi Pro League campaign with a home fixture against Al-Fateh on Friday. Meanwhile, Roma is set to face Empoli in Serie A on Sunday.
The transfer, if completed, would mark a significant shift in Dybala’s career, moving from one of Europe’s top leagues to the emerging Saudi Pro League. It also represents a potential windfall for the player, with the reported salary far exceeding typical earnings in European leagues.
Roma’s decision on the transfer could have implications for their Serie A campaign, potentially leaving them without one of their key attacking players as the season gets underway.
As negotiations continue, football observers are watching closely to see if this high-profile transfer will further cement the Saudi Pro League’s growing influence in the global football market.
