The whispers in the hallways of La Bombonera have grown into a deafening roar. For Boca Juniors, the prospect of signing Paulo Dybala is no longer just a "Transfer Window Fantasy"—it has become a strategic mission.
As of late 2025, the stars seem to be aligning for what could be the most impactful homecoming in Argentine football since Diego Maradona returned in 1995.
The "Agent" Paredes Factor
The catalyst for this dream is none other than Leandro Paredes. Since his own return to Boca, Paredes has been vocal about his desire to reunite with his close friend and World Cup teammate.
According to reports from Buenos Aires, Paredes has been "driving Dybala crazy" with calls and messages, painting a picture of a late-career legacy at the heart of the Xeneize midfield. Even Paredes’ father, Daniel, added fuel to the fire recently, stating publicly that Paulo "has a Boca heart" and wants to fulfill his late father's dream of seeing him in the blue and gold.
Why the Move Makes Sense Now
Several factors are making this "impossible" deal look increasingly realistic:
Contractual Crossroads: Dybala’s current deal with AS Roma expires in June 2026. With the Italian club reportedly hesitant to offer an extension due to his recent injury history, a cut-price transfer in January or a free move in the summer is on the table.
Financial Maneuvers: Boca has recently offloaded several high-earning veterans (including Sergio Romero and Marcos Rojo), freeing up the necessary "salary shelf" to accommodate a world-class wage.
The 2026 Goal: With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Dybala knows that being the undisputed protagonist at Boca Juniors is a sure-fire way to keep himself in Lionel Scaloni’s sights.
A Family Divided?
The move would bring a fascinating personal dynamic to the Superclásico. While Dybala’s father was a devoted Boca fan, his wife, Oriana Sabatini, comes from a family with deep River Plate ties (her father, Osvaldo Sabatini, is a well-known Millonario).
"It would be a mess at home," Dybala joked in a recent interview, "but the pull of La Bombonera is something every Argentine player feels in their soul."
The Verdict
Is it a done deal? Not yet. Roma still holds his registration, and European suitors are surely lurking. However, for the first time in years, the "Dream of La Joya" feels less like a delusion and more like a countdown.
If Juan Román Riquelme can pull this off, the 2026 Copa Libertadores won't just be a tournament—it will be a coronation.