Roma Eye Sporting CP Wing-Back and Real Betis Forward in January Hunt

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 have tabled a €25 million offer to Feyenoord for right-back Givairo Read, according to Fabrizio Romano, in a move designed to strengthen the right flank. The bid supersedes a €19 million offer from Nottingham Forest and comes after the club completed deals for Castro and Koulierakis. Read, born in 2006 in Amsterdam, emerged as a standout performer in Eredivisie last season under Robin van Persie's management, making 16 appearances with one goal and three assists. The Dutch-Surinamese talent has drawn comparisons to Internazionale's Dumfries, recently departed for Real Madrid, owing to his pace and dual threat in defence and attack. At 175cm, Read brings modern full-back qualities: disciplined defending coupled with consistent offensive thrust. He featured prominently in the Netherlands' Under-19 European Championship-winning campaign. However, the 20-year-old's 2025–26 campaign was disrupted by two consecutive hamstring injuries that sidelined him for more than three months—a concern that momentarily cooled Bayern Munich's interest. Once fit, he has reestablished himself among Europe's most sought-after young full-backs. Read made his senior debut against Roma in a Europa League fixture three years earlier. His performances in Eredivisie and Champions League have not escaped the attention of elite clubs across the continent. Roma's sporting director D'Amico is now pursuing the profile as a long-term prospect to compete with or replace Çelik on the right.

Roma are on the verge of signing Greek centre-back Konstantinos Koulierakis, with the club's director of sport Tony D'Amico advancing negotiations on two fronts. The player has signalled his willingness to join the Giallorossi, while D'Amico has spent hours negotiating with the German club over bonuses on a fixed fee of €15 million. The signing would continue Roma's tradition of recruiting Greek defenders, following in the footsteps of Traianos Dellas and Kostas Manolas. The deal represents one of several moves the club is pursuing across the pitch this window. The transfer for Antonio Nusa of Leipzig has been ruled out due to prohibitive costs, but Roma remain in talks over Abde Ezzalzouli of Betis (€35 million plus €3 million in bonuses) and Jean-Matteo Bahoya of Eintracht. A more concrete option has emerged in 24-year-old Brentford winger Kevin Schade. At full-back, Roma continue to pursue Spanish left-back Ivan Fresneda of Sporting Lisbona, valued at over €20 million, with the club preparing an offer of €15 million plus bonuses to fill the void after Zeki Çelik.