Roma’s pursuit of a Champions League spot is now directly tied to the club’s ability to secure contract renewals for several key players, including Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, according to reports emerging from Italy. A fourth-place finish in Serie A would significantly improve the club’s financial position, allowing them to offer more competitive terms to these players.
Roma manager Daniele Gasperini has emphasized the importance of securing Champions League qualification, stating it would allow the club to operate more effectively in the transfer market. While he believes a strong team can be built without Champions League revenue, a top-four finish would accelerate the club’s long-term project and provide crucial financial flexibility. The club ownership, led by Ryan Friedkin, is reportedly already engaged in discussions with player representatives.
Pellegrini and Dybala are considered top priorities for Gasperini, and the club has received the green light from ownership to begin negotiations. However, Roma is facing financial constraints due to Financial Fair Play regulations and cannot match the players’ current salaries. The club is prepared to offer Dybala a contract worth 2 million euros plus bonuses, a significant reduction from his current six million euro salary.
Dybala, who has been linked with a potential return to Boca Juniors, is reportedly willing to remain at Roma if the conditions are favorable. He is currently awaiting feedback from his agent regarding Roma’s offer. The club hopes to finalize contract details after their upcoming match against Verona. The outcome of that match is pivotal, as a win would secure Champions League qualification.
Roma will be without Evan Ndicka for the Verona match due to a second-degree hamstring injury sustained during the derby. Pellegrini is also a doubt with inflammation near a previous hamstring scar, while Kone is dealing with a muscle overload. Despite these injury concerns, Gasperini is demanding maximum effort from his squad to achieve the final push for Champions League football.
