Could Dybala Join Paredes at Boca This Year?
The Argentine football world is buzzing with the possibility of Paulo Dybala making a surprise move to Boca Juniors, following the anticipated return of his close friend and World Cup teammate Leandro Paredes. Argentine media report that Paredes is actively working behind the scenes to convince Dybala to join him at La Bombonera this upcoming second half of the year. This intriguing storyline is poised to capture the attention of Boca fans and football spectators worldwide.
1. Paredes’ Catalytic Return to Boca
At 31, Leandro Paredes has already arranged the termination of his deal with AS Roma to return home to Boca Juniors after more than a decade in Europe . Sources reveal his contract has a mutual termination clause valued at roughly €3.5 million, making his comeback practically inevitable. Paredes has expressed immense excitement about reuniting with “the fans who watched him grow” and hopes to make a significant impact in Argentina’s Primera División.
A confirmed signing of Paredes would already boost Boca’s midfield substantially. But it’s his ambitious idea to bring Dybala along that makes headlines.
2. Friendship Sparks Transfer Ambition
Paredes and Dybala share a tight bond forged during their time in the national team and club football. Paredes has been openly nudging his friend, joking that he’s “driving him crazy” to move to Boca.
During a joint training session at the Argentine National Team facility in Ezeiza, Paredes reportedly said:
“Enough—come too, friends should play together.”
This heartfelt plea was reported by El Gráfico and later echoed by El Intransigente, describing it as an emotional call for brotherhood on the pitch.
This public camaraderie has ignited hope among fans that Boca might land a blockbuster double transfer.
3. What Dybala’s Camp Thinks
Despite the flirtation, the situation remains complicated. Dybala is currently under contract with AS Roma until mid‑2026, and his release clause stands around €12 million. According to his representation, Dybala plans to complete at least one more season in Serie A under Piero Gasperini’s vision.
In an interview with Gastón and Esteban Edul, Dybala admitted being “tempted” by Boca’s allure, mentioning how Paredes keeps messaging him daily. He also shared that as a child, his family instilled Boca passion in him—and that playing in Argentina would be “amazing”.
The strongest signal came from TyC Sports, suggesting a joint transfer likely won’t happen now—but could emerge after the 2026 World Cup . Most insiders believe the earliest opportunity for Dybala is from the 2026 Libertadores season onward.
4. What Makes This Swap Strategic for Boca
Here’s why a Paredes-Dybala duo would be monumental:
- Squad Quality: Paredes adds midfield control, distribution, and leadership. Dybala brings creativity, flair, and lethal finishing—attributes Boca currently lacks in Europe-trained veterans.
- Business Sense: Argentine clubs thrive on repatriation stories. Paredes’ arrival already resonates; Dybala would send global ripples, boosting ticket sales, TV ratings, and merchandise.
- Champions’ Mindset: Both are 2022 World Cup winners. Their experience and mentality could elevate Boca’s ambitions in local and continental competitions.
- Fan Engagement: Fans have long dreamt of Argentine stars returning home. This vision would re-energize La Bombonera and shift club momentum.
As reported by RadioUp, the duo would ignite “a wave of expectation from Ezeiza to Rome,” fueling hopes of a Libertadores‑ready squad.
5. Challenges & Obstacles
Despite the allure, hurdles remain:
- Financial Constraints: Boca must negotiate release fees, salary demands, and amortization. With a limited budget, balancing both signings could strain resources.
- Timing Mismatch: Paredes can arrive now; Dybala’s potential move likely waits until mid‑2026—perhaps after his next World Cup cycle.
- Competitive Retention: Roma will resist any move destabilizing their setup. Dybala must want out—and Boca must present a compelling plan.
Statements from Italian media (Il Romanista, Bolavip) affirm Paredes is pushing for Dybala, but only in the long term. Essentially, there’s no urgency—this might become 2026’s biggest transfer story, not this year’s.
