Roma have officially signed Santiago Castro from Bologna for a fee of €35 million, plus a 10% sell-on clause, the clubs confirmed. The 20-year-old Argentinian forward will travel to Rome in the coming hours to complete his medical examination and finalize personal terms.
The transfer is facilitated by a simultaneous loan move in the opposite direction, with Ukrainian striker Artem Dovbyk joining Bologna. This move was a prerequisite for Roma to secure Castro, addressing Bologna’s need to balance their finances. Castro has agreed to a contract with Roma that will run until 2031, reportedly worth €2.2 million per year.
Castro arrived at Bologna two seasons ago and has shown promise as a developing striker, though he has not yet fully established himself as a consistent starter. He offers a different profile to Roma’s existing attacking options, providing Gian Piero Gasperini with increased tactical flexibility. Gasperini is understood to have been a key advocate for the signing, influencing the outcome of negotiations.
Bologna’s decision to sell Castro allows them to retain Jonathan Rowe, an exciting young attacker who is central to coach Thiago Motta’s plans. Dovbyk, who previously played for Girona in Spain, will provide a proven goalscoring threat for Bologna. The swift resolution of this deal contrasts sharply with Roma’s protracted and ultimately unsuccessful pursuit of winger Justin Summerville earlier this summer.
The acquisition of Castro represents Roma’s first major signing of the transfer window under Gasperini, who recently took charge of the club. Roma drew 3-3 in a recent friendly against Cannes, and Castro will be expected to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new Serie A season. This transfer signifies Roma’s intent to compete at the highest level and strengthens their squad depth.
