Dovbyk leaves Roma on loan to Bologna

Santiago Castro has completed his transfer to AS Roma from Bologna on a permanent deal and will wear the number 9 shirt. The Argentine striker spent nearly three years at Bologna, where he helped the club secure Champions League qualification and win the Coppa Italia after 51 years. Castro posted a lengthy farewell message to Bologna supporters on social media, reflecting on his time at the club. He wrote: "Today, after nearly three years, the moment has come to say goodbye. I still remember when, at just 19 years old, I arrived in this splendid city that opened its doors to me, welcomed me with open arms and made me feel at home. From that first day, I have lived unforgettable moments that I will treasure forever. From the historic and unforgettable qualification to the Champions League, achieved thanks to an extraordinary group of people, to the privilege of reaching glory by lifting that long-awaited trophy after 51 years. And, of course, our European adventure, where we left our mark and showed how far a team can go when it stays united." Castro quickly followed with a second message welcoming Roma supporters: "I am very happy for this new beginning with these colours! Now I will give my all for this city! Daje Roma!"

Santiago Castro has joined AS Roma as the club's first summer signing, arriving directly from Bologna. The Argentine forward has completed his medical examination and participated in a photoshoot and tour of Trigoria as he begins his new chapter in the Italian capital. Castro's arrival marks Roma's opening move in the summer transfer window, bringing fresh attacking reinforcement to the squad. The signing underscores the club's commitment to strengthening its offensive options ahead of the new season.

Santiago Castro has completed his move to AS Roma from Bologna. Matías Soulé, his Argentine compatriot and friend, welcomed the new striker on social media by reposting Castro's announcement with the caption: "Benvenuto, fratello!" (Welcome, brother!). The pair had previously signalled their rapport through social media interactions in recent weeks. Now they will have the opportunity to play together for Roma, beginning with the club's training camp in Wales. Castro will wear the number 9 shirt for the Giallorossi.

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.

Roma's transfer activity accelerated sharply within 24 hours as sporting director D'Amico worked to reshape Gasperini's squad. The most advanced negotiation concerns centre-back Koulierakis, a 2003-born Greek left-footer from Wolfsburg, who has already agreed personal terms with Roma. Wolfsburg were relegated to the Zweite Bundesliga in May. Midfield target Fresneda has also come into focus, though the Portuguese club's €20 million valuation remains a gap from Roma's position. Dialogue has opened with Torino over Cacciamani, with the Serie A club seeking €15 million. Left-back alternatives are being pursued after difficulties over another name: Bahoya and Ezzalzouli are both under consideration. The Spanish club holding Ezzalzouli's registration has a €60 million release clause, but would accept €45 million; Roma have indicated they wish to offer €10 million less than that figure. D'Amico was abroad on business during recent days while managing these parallel negotiations. The activity follows confirmation that Artem Dovbyk's move from Bolognese to Roma is progressing, with double announcement expected imminently.

Santiago Castro's AS Roma career is officially underway following his arrival in Rome, where he was greeted by approximately 300 supporters at Termini station. The 2004-born Argentine has completed his medical examination and met with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini at Trigoria, also reconnecting with fellow countryman Matías Soulé and receiving a welcome from Paulo Dybala. Castro will inherit the number 9 shirt vacated by Artem Dovbyk and has signed through to 2031 on a net salary of 2 million euros per season. Roma invested 35 million euros plus bonus payments and retain 10 per cent of any future resale fee to Bologna for the acquisition. Gasperini gains a quick, technical striker suited to his tactical demands and capable of operating alongside Donyell Malen in either a 3-4-1-2 formation or with the Dutch winger deployed out wide. Castro arrives in full physical condition and will travel with the squad for their winter training camp in Wales, where he is expected to feature in the upcoming friendly against Cardiff to build match fitness.