Castro and Dovbyk officially swapped as Roma complete opening summer transfer

Santiago Castro has joined Roma from Bologna on a permanent transfer for €35 million, with the Argentine striker expressing his eagerness to contribute under Gian Piero Gasperini. Castro told Roma's official channels: "It was a short negotiation, I wanted to come from the first moment. I spoke with the sporting director, they told me what they expect from me, I felt the confidence and I know what I can do to help the squad. Since I heard from them I chose straight away to come here." On Gasperini, he added: "I like him. He does very well in Italy for years, I'm here to give a hand, I can do what he wants." Roma have swiftly moved to strengthen their defence with the signing of Konstantinos Koulierakis, a 2003-born centre-back from Wolfsburg, on a permanent deal worth approximately €15 million. The left-footed Greek defender will undergo medical tests and sign his contract in the coming days, competing with Hermoso for the left-centre role in Gasperini's three-man defence. Meanwhile, Angeliño departs on loan to Deportivo La Coruña with a €2 million buyout clause, returning to the Spanish club where he developed through the youth system. Roma have tabled an official €25 million offer to Feyenoord for right-back Givairo Read, with sporting director Tony D'Amico opening direct negotiations to find a resolution. Nottingham Forest remain interested but have had two bids rejected. The coming days are expected to be decisive in the pursuit of a replacement for Çelik on the right flank.

Santiago Castro is officially a Roma player, becoming Gasperini's first January signing and inheriting the number 9 shirt worn previously by fellow Argentines Balbo and Batistuta. The Argentine striker pledged his commitment at his presentation, stating he is ready to give everything for the club. Koulierakis will arrive in Rome between today and tomorrow for medical tests and contract signature before the squad departs for their training base in Hensol, Wales. Roma remain in pursuit of a new winger, with sporting director D'Amico having submitted a €25 million offer to Feyenoord for Read. The Dutch club's player has already agreed personal terms, leaving Feyenoord to decide on the bid.

Juventus have entered talks to sign Roma defender Daniele Ghilardi, reportedly willing to offer Federico Gatti as a makeweight in negotiations. The move comes as Roma prepare to bring in Konstantinos Koulierakis to strengthen their defence, a signing that could push either Ziółkowski or Ghilardi away from the Stadio Olimpico. Ghilardi's maiden season in giallorossi colours was inconsistent, beginning with a subdued spell before improving in the second half of the campaign. However, he remained a secondary option in Gian Piero Gasperini's rotation, with the trio of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso forming the defensive core that proved decisive in securing Champions League qualification. The 2003-born centre-back's exit would free space in Gasperini's squad as Koulierakis arrives to bolster the backline.

Kostas Koulierakis has completed his move to AS Roma, becoming the club's second summer signing under director D'Amico. The Greek defender met head coach Gian Piero Gasperini via videoconference on Tuesday evening. Although presented by some as a backup option, Gasperini views him—like fellow new arrival Artem Dovbyk—as a core addition to the squad rather than reserve cover. Gasperini pushed for the upgrades after Roma finished third and qualified for the Champions League, seeking improvements across multiple fronts: numerically, technically, and tactically. With Zeki Çelik's departure confirmed and moves away for both Salah Eddine and Angeliño imminent, Roma's full-back options have thinned to just Devyne Rensch and Wesley, both capable on either flank. The recruitment team is pursuing two more wide defenders—targets include Read with Fresneda as an alternative, and Cacciamani—all of whom Gasperini has already approved. The club also plans to add further attacking reinforcements in the coming weeks, with Nusa identified as an immediate priority and Endrick a longer-term target. D'Amico's push to accelerate business reflects the board's backing for Gasperini's vision and focus on squad improvement rather than other institutional matters.

Artem Dovbyk has completed his transfer from AS Roma to Bologna on a loan deal with a right of redemption through 30 June 2027. The Ukrainian striker departs after two seasons in the Giallorossi, during which he made 63 appearances and scored 20 goals. Roma's statement wished him well for the future. Dovbyk arrived at Roma under Daniele De Rossi in the summer following his standout 2023–24 campaign with Girona, where he finished La Liga's top scorer with 24 goals and helped the club qualify for the Champions League with a third-place finish. In his debut season at Roma, Dovbyk netted 17 goals across all competitions. However, his second campaign was hampered by a lengthy injury, limiting his impact during the 2025–26 season. Bologna confirmed Dovbyk as the first Ukrainian player in the club's history. The Emilia-Romagna side described him as a modern centre-forward capable of combining physical strength, power and quality in attack, with a particular talent for finishing and penetrating the box. The move represents a fresh opportunity for the 1997-born striker to rebuild momentum in his career.

Artem Dovbyk has completed a move to Bologna on loan with a right of recall, ending his time at Roma for the current season. The Ukrainian striker departs as the club continues its attacking reshaping under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Dovbyk's exit represents another step in Roma's offensive overhaul. The arrival of Santiago Castro, who has claimed the number 9 shirt, provides Gasperini with a new focal point for the forward line. Dovbyk will seek to rediscover his best form under Bologna's management.