Man Utd thwarted by Jose Mourinho and two other factors in ideal attacker transfer pursuit
Reported Manchester United target Paulo Dybala has three reasons to sign a contract extension with AS Roma, it has been revealed in Italy.
Dybala joined Roma on a free transfer from Juventus in the summer and has been a hit in the Italian capital. With his most recent goal at the weekend, he entered their top 100 goalscorers of all time.
However, his time at Roma might be short lived, since he has a release clause in his contract. Clubs outside Italy can sign him for just €12million (£10.5m) as things stand.
In turn, Man Utd have been linked with a move for Dybala. Getting a player of his pedigree for free would add another exciting element to their attack.
But an update from Calciomercato has revealed how Roma are trying to stand in the way of a deal for Dybala to leave for Man Utd or anyone else.
To eliminate the exit clause from his contract, they will have to tie him down to a renewal. For that to happen, there are three factors that could be decisive.
First, qualifying for the Champions League is an objective Dybala will be wanting to tick off. Roma haven’t been in the competition since the 2018-19 season. Nevertheless, they are currently in the Serie A top four with nine games to go.
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Next, the presence of Jose Mourinho in the Roma dugout will be decisive. The former Man Utd boss is under contract in the Eternal City for another season, although he has been linked with other vacancies.
If he commits as expected to a third season with Roma, it would encourage Dybala to enter his own second.
Finally, the Argentina international could be rewarded with a pay rise by Roma. He currently earns €4.5m per season (around £75,000 per week), but is in line to take home €6m per season (more than £100,000 per week) if he renews his terms with the Giallorossi.
Man Utd may still have Dybala chance
Therefore, there are a few factors that could convince Dybala to overlook interest from the likes of Man Utd. But the Champions League and Mourinho stipulations are no guarantees yet.
With that in mind, clubs like Man Utd will be keeping an eye on any developments that could affect Dybala’s availability. At the age of 29, he has proven he still has plenty to offer. Indeed, he would be worth bidding for at £10.5m – even if he isn’t necessarily the out-and-out centre-forward that Erik ten Hag needs.
This season, Dybala has scored 15 goals from 31 appearances in all competitions for Roma. Should the club get their way, there will be many more to come. In some circumstances, though, the conclusion could be a transfer away.
Man Utd are also fighting to secure qualification for the Champions League via the Premier League. Meeting Dybala’s financial demands shouldn’t be too much of a concern for them, either.
Maybe that is why Roma are so eager to get Dybala’s future resolved soon. But it seems they will have to wait for a few things to fall into place before it can happen.
