Dovbyk departs for Bologna on loan with €20m buyout option

Artem Dovbyk's stint at Roma has ended with the Ukrainian forward moving to Bologna on loan as part of the deal that brings Castro to the capital. Dovbyk departs after scoring 20 goals in 63 appearances, leaving a sense of what might have been following a transfer that cost the club 41 million euros in the summer of 2024. Dovbyk's first season proved reasonably productive despite Roma's turbulent campaign. He scored his opening goal on 15 September at Marassi under Daniele De Rossi, and added 17 goals in 45 appearances during 2024–25, with crucial strikes against Como, Cagliari, Lecce, and Fiorentina helping Roma climb to fifth place under Claudio Ranieri. However, the 29-year-old, fresh from a 24-goal season at Girona where he won the Pichichi, never truly settled in the capital. Under Gian Piero Gasperini, competition from loan signing Evan Ferguson intensified, and Dovbyk's impact diminished. He missed two penalties against Viktoria Plzen, suffered a thigh strain, then endured a three-month layoff from a left thigh tendon injury. His final appearance came on 17 May in the derby, a two-minute cameo as substitute for Paulo Dybala. The disconnect between the forward and the Roma fanbase was evident throughout. While individual performances warranted optimism at moments, Dovbyk struggled to operate effectively with teammates and lacked conviction in physical challenges. The separation reflects mutual recognition that the substantial investment failed to yield the expected returns.

Santiago Castro received a rousing welcome to Rome late on Wednesday evening as more than 200 Roma supporters gathered to greet him outside Termini station, complete with scarves and chants. The Argentine striker, Roma's first summer signing, arrived from Bologna to scenes of genuine passion from the Giallorossi faithful on a warm end-of-July evening. Castro's arrival marks the beginning of Roma's summer recruitment drive under the Friedkin Group's ownership. The warmth of the reception at one of Rome's main transport hubs underscored the club's supporters' enthusiasm for the incoming talent and their eagerness to embrace new players joining the squad.

Santiago Castro has arrived in Rome to complete a €35 million transfer to AS Roma. The striker will undergo medical tests and sign his contract before joining squad training, with the deal made possible by owner approval for extra budget spending. The move comes after failed pursuits of Greenwood and Summerville, as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini seeks reinforcements in attack ahead of the pre-season training camp in Wales on 31 July. Castro's arrival does not mark the end of Roma's offensive recruitment. Gasperini has requested multiple wide attackers, and sporting director focus remains on RB Leipzig's Antonio Nusa, though that pursuit is described as significantly more costly and complex, requiring further negotiation. Parallel to on-field activity, a decisive phase opened for Roma's new stadium in the Pietralata district. The government services conference officially began yesterday, with extraordinary commissioner Massimo Sessa setting a 60-day timeline for the decision phase (mid-September). Rome mayor Roberto Gualtieri and Lazio region president Francesco Rocca deemed the schedule realistic. By 31 July, the FIGC will indicate to UEFA which stadiums will host Euro 2032; transport minister Matteo Salvini announced €35 million in funding via Ferrovie dello Stato for Tiburtina station modernisation as part of the broader regeneration plan.

Artem Dovbyk's stint at Roma has ended with the Ukrainian forward moving to Bologna on loan as part of the deal that brings Castro to the capital. Dovbyk departs after scoring 20 goals in 63 appearances, leaving a sense of what might have been following a transfer that cost the club 41 million euros in the summer of 2024. Dovbyk's first season proved reasonably productive despite Roma's turbulent campaign. He scored his opening goal on 15 September at Marassi under Daniele De Rossi, and added 17 goals in 45 appearances during 2024–25, with crucial strikes against Como, Cagliari, Lecce, and Fiorentina helping Roma climb to fifth place under Claudio Ranieri. However, the 29-year-old, fresh from a 24-goal season at Girona where he won the Pichichi, never truly settled in the capital. Under Gian Piero Gasperini, competition from loan signing Evan Ferguson intensified, and Dovbyk's impact diminished. He missed two penalties against Viktoria Plzen, suffered a thigh strain, then endured a three-month layoff from a left thigh tendon injury. His final appearance came on 17 May in the derby, a two-minute cameo as substitute for Paulo Dybala. The disconnect between the forward and the Roma fanbase was evident throughout. While individual performances warranted optimism at moments, Dovbyk struggled to operate effectively with teammates and lacked conviction in physical challenges. The separation reflects mutual recognition that the substantial investment failed to yield the expected returns.

Artem Dovbyk is leaving AS Roma and joining Bologna on a season-long loan deal as he seeks to resurrect his form following a difficult campaign hampered by injury and reduced playing time under Gian Piero Gasperini. The Ukrainian striker is expected to arrive in Bologna within the next day or two to undergo medical tests and sign his contract. The deal is structured as an annual loan with Bologna holding a right of purchase set at approximately €20 million. Roma will contribute substantially to Dovbyk's wages, which amount to roughly €11.5 million gross annually, to help Bologna manage their financial parameters. Dovbyk enjoyed an excellent first season under Daniele De Rossi, scoring 17 league goals, but his performance has deteriorated sharply this term. Injuries, including a myotendinous lesion, combined with Gasperini's arrival, have limited him to just 18 appearances and 3 goals. Bologna represents a traditionally fertile ground for top strikers to rebuild their careers. The move gives the Rossoblu a commanding physical presence in the penalty area alongside Santiago Castro, offering tactical flexibility in their attacking setup.

Santiago Castro has arrived in Rome ahead of his move to AS Roma, with roughly 200 giallorossi supporters greeting the Argentine striker at Termini station. The 2004-born forward, who spent two and a half seasons at Bologna, is set to become Roma's first signing of the 2026–27 season barring any last-minute surprises. Roma will pay €30 million plus €3 million in add-ons to secure Castro's services. The transfer involves a player exchange: Artem Dovbyk is poised to move in the opposite direction and join Bologna. Castro will undergo medical examinations on the following day to complete the formalities of his switch to the Stadio Olimpico club.