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Roma and Bologna exchange strikers: Castro already in Rome, Dovbyk
Leagues 13 August 2026

Roma and Bologna exchange strikers: Castro already in Rome, Dovbyk

Roma and Bologna exchange centre-forwards: Castro signs in Rome until 2031, Dovbyk goes on loan with an option to buy to Bologna.

Roma and Bologna swap strikers: Castro already in Rome, Dovbyk

According to Tuttomercatoweb.

Background

Santiago Castro, born in 2004, is a promising striker who is now continuing his career in Serie A with AS Roma. His transfer is the first major signing completed under the new leadership of Tony D'Amico, raising expectations for the club's future. With a contract until 2031 and an attractive salary, Castro is seen as a key player for the coming years.

Why this matters

Santiago Castro's transfer to AS Roma marks an important step for the club in their search for reinforcement in attack. With the arrival of the 20-year-old Argentinian, who has signed until 2031, Roma hopes to improve its offensive options and ensure a strong competitive position in Serie A. This is also a significant move for coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who now has new weapons for the coming season.

Key points

  • Roma and Bologna exchange strikers: Castro already in Rome, Dovbyk.
  • Roma and Bologna exchange centre-forwards: Castro signs in Rome until 2031, Dovbyk goes on loan with option to buy to Bologna.
  • Roma and Bologna si scambiano le punte: Castro già nella capitale, martedì tocca a Dovbyk.

AS Roma and Bologna have reshaped their forward lines with a double transfer. Santiago Castro arrived in Rome late in the evening on Monday and today takes the final steps towards a long-term contract at the Stadio Olimpico. On Tuesday it is Artem Dovbyk's turn: the Ukrainian striker travels to Bologna for medical checks and his temporary transfer.

The contours of the deals are fixed. Roma puts a total of 35 million euros, including bonuses, on the table for Castro. The agreement also includes a 10 percent resale percentage for Bologna. The 20-year-old Argentinian, born in 2004, signs in the capital until 2031 and, according to the agreements, will earn two million euros net per season. This makes it the first purchase file to be completed since the appointment of Tony D'Amico and also the first offensive reinforcement for trainer Gian Piero Gasperini.

At the same time, Dovbyk continues his career at Bologna. The clubs have concluded a lease agreement with a right to purchase, set at 18 million euros. This construction gives the rossoblù the space to evaluate the rush hour during the season before making a final decision. Dovbyk will also undergo a medical examination at short notice and will then sign the contract. In Emilia he is led by trainer Domenico Tedesco.

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The personnel change at the front has an immediate sporting impact. With Castro, Roma opts for talent and growth potential. The Argentinian has scored 22 goals and provided 13 assists in 105 official matches in the past two and a half seasons in Italy. His profile – dynamic, hard-working and with depth – fits the way Gasperini likes his attacking line to play. With a long contract andWith a clear development path, Castro will have time to develop into a permanent fixture in Rome.

For Bologna, Dovbyk adds extra experience at the point of attack. The Ukrainian arrived in Rome from Girona in the summer of 2024 and has since made 63 appearances and scored 20 goals in all competitions, including 15 goals in 46 Serie A matches. His physicality, heading power and positioning in the box should immediately give Bologna more body at the front.

Official confirmation of both deals is expected to follow soon after the medical examinations. With this exchange, Roma and Bologna have not only balanced their selections, but also sent a clear signal towards the start of the new season in Serie A.

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What's happening now

After the medical examination, Santiago Castro will sign his contract with AS Roma, making him officially part of the selection. Meanwhile, Artem Dovbyk will complete his move to Bologna, where he will play on loan with an option to buy. Both transfers are crucial for the restructuring of Roma and Bologna's attacks in the competitive environment of Serie A.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to the strikers of Roma and Bologna?

AS Roma and Bologna have completed a double transfer, with Santiago Castro going to Roma and Artem Dovbyk to Bologna.

Who confirmed Santiago Castro's transfer?

Santiago Castro's transfer to AS Roma has been confirmed by the clubs involved.

Why have these transfers been made now?

The transfers were made to reshape the forward lines of both teams and to strengthen the teams with new talents.

What changes are there in the teams due to these transfers?

Roma has signed Santiago Castro as an attacking reinforcement, while Bologna rents Artem Dovbyk with an option to buy.

What are the financial details of Castro's transfer?

AS Roma will pay a total of 35 million euros for Santiago Castro, including bonuses, and Bologna will receive a 10 percent sell-on percentage.

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