Roma have agreed a deal to sign forward Santiago Castro from Serie A rivals Bologna, according to reports in Italy. The transfer is reportedly worth €30 million upfront with a further €5 million in potential bonuses. Castro is expected to arrive in Ciampino between tonight and tomorrow, joining the team’s training camp in Wales.
The move comes after Roma missed out on other attacking targets, including Greenwood and Summerville. Manager Daniele De Rossi identified Castro as a versatile option, capable of playing as a backup to Malen or alongside him as a second striker or left winger – a role he frequently occupied at Velez. De Rossi had previously scouted Castro during his time at Atalanta two years ago.
Castro joined Bologna last season and quickly established himself as a promising talent. He brings a combination of goal-scoring ability, technical skill, and a determined work ethic, qualities typical of Argentinian forwards. The 24-year-old reportedly idolizes Diego Milito, Carlos Tevez, and Lucas Pratto, players known for their tenacity and finishing prowess.
Roma’s sporting director, D’Amico, shifted focus to Castro after encountering difficulties in securing a deal for Tresoldi from Bruges. The club may also explore the possibility of including either Dovbyk or Vaz in the deal as part of a loan arrangement, but these negotiations are separate and will be assessed in the coming hours. Roma would require financial assistance with Dovbyk’s wages for any such deal to materialize. Castro is set to earn more than double his current salary at Bologna, reportedly exceeding €1 million net per year. The arrival of Castro is the first significant addition to the Roma squad this transfer window, with the club continuing to pursue further reinforcements, particularly on the left side of the attack where they are targeting Nusa.
