The role of Mourinho and Totti in Dybala's transfer to Roma

Paulo Dybala will soon become a Roma player for the next three seasons, on a deal that will see him earn six million euros per year in Serie A.

It is an unexpected move as the Argentine, who left Juventus at the end of last season, is going to a team that will play in the Europa League.

The player is already with the team in Faro, Portugal, waiting to pass the medical.

These are the keys to Dybala's imminent transfer to Roma, with several high-profile figures playing a role.

Wants to play for Mourinho

Roma coach Jose Mourinho was one of the major factors in making the deal happen, as the Portuguese has called the player repeatedly.

The signing of Dybala is only possible because of Mourinho's insistence and the prestige he gives to the club.

The Roma project

The other alternative projects that could fit were not as solid and immediate.

Inter, because of the numbers they have up front with Romelu Lukaku, Lautaro Martinez, Joaquin Correa, Edin Dzeko and Alexis Sanchez, asked Dybala to wait until they offload players. Yet, Dybala can't wait in a World Cup year.

Napoli was attractive from a sporting point of view but did not allow him other things, such as a low release clause.

The Premier League - Manchester United, above all - also asked him to wait.

That's why the solid project offered by Roma under a stable ownership, that of the Americans of Friedkin Group, was essential.

The No.10 of Totti

Wearing the No.10 shirt of Francesco Totti seduces a lot of players.

Since his retirement in May 2017, no one has worn that number, but the club has assured Dybala a shirt that will be symbolic around the world.

Having a release clause

Dybala is going to a club that will only play Europa League football and he is taking a risk in a year in which there is a World Cup in November.

That is why the low buyout clause that Roma have set for the player, which will not exceed 20m euros, is key.

If Roma do not qualify for the Champions League next season, Dybala can always have an easy exit to a more ambitious project.