Roma have struck an agreement with Bologna to sign centre-forward Santiago Castro for €35m plus a 10 per cent sell-on clause. The deal ends the Giallorossi’s lengthy search for attacking reinforcements after they failed to land several alternative targets earlier in the window.
The Argentine, who turns 22 in September, will join the Stadio Olimpico side less than 18 months after arriving in Serie A. Bologna paid €13.2m to secure his services from Velez Sarsfield during the January 2024 transfer window, meaning the Rossoblu stand to record a significant capital gain on the investment.
Castro set for medical
The agreement between the two clubs includes performance-related bonuses within the €35m valuation. Castro’s willingness to leave Bologna and Roma’s ability to offer Artem Dovbyk as a temporary replacement helped facilitate the negotiations.
The forward’s versatility across the front line attracted interest from Gian Piero Gasperini’s staff. Castro can operate as a central striker or in wider attacking roles, providing tactical flexibility for the upcoming campaign.
Dovbyk loan arranged separately
Ukrainian striker Dovbyk is expected to move to Bologna on loan with an option to buy, though this constitutes a distinct transaction rather than a direct exchange. The arrangement would see the two forwards effectively swap cities through separate financial agreements.
The loan move offers Dovbyk the prospect of regular first-team football following his arrival at Roma last summer. Bologna, meanwhile, gain proven Serie A experience to offset Castro’s departure without disrupting their attacking balance.
Earlier targets abandoned
The Castro deal follows a frustrating summer pursuit of other forwards. Roma missed out on deals for Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood, Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville and Hannover striker Nicolò Tresoldi.
Intermediaries also proposed Marcus Rashford to the Italian club following the England international’s loan spell at Barcelona. However, the salary Rashford commands at Manchester United makes any potential transfer to the Italian capital financially unviable.
The developments signal a busy conclusion to the transfer window for Roma, who will hope to complete Castro’s medical and finalise the Dovbyk loan in the coming days.