Bologna sign Artem Dovbyk from Roma on loan with option to buy

Bologna have officially announced the signing of Ukraine striker Artem Dovbyk from Roma on a season-long loan with an option to make the move permanent, with Santiago Castro heading the other way in a separate permanent transfer.

The Rossoblu confirmed the Ukrainian will remain in Emilia-Romagna until 30 June 2027. Italian reports say Bologna will pay a loan fee of around EUR 3m and hold an option to buy for a further EUR 18m, while Roma are expected to contribute towards part of Dovbyk's EUR 3.8m salary for the coming campaign.

Dovbyk ends a two-year spell at the Stadio Olimpico, having joined Roma in the summer of 2024 for EUR 38m from Girona. He had just finished as LaLiga's top scorer, with 24 goals as Girona shocked Spanish football by finishing third and qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in their history. His first Serie A season brought 12 goals in 32 appearances, but the 2025-26 campaign was derailed by injury and fitness issues that limited him to just 14 league outings.

He will become the first Ukrainian to represent Bologna. "Bologna FC 1909 announced that it has acquired the rights and services to Artem Dovbyk from AS Roma on a temporary basis until Jun 30, 2027 with an option to make the transfer permanent," read a statement on the club's website.

Bologna head coach Domenico Tedesco pushed hard for the striker, who could line up alongside Thijs Dallinga in attack. The move was completed on the same day as Castro's permanent switch to Roma, with the Giallorossi paying EUR 35m plus bonuses and a 10% sell-on clause. Dovbyk, who lost his place in the pecking order at Roma under Gian Piero Gasperini last season, will hope to relaunch his career in Emilia.

Sources

• Football Italia — Official: Dovbyk joins Bologna from Roma with permanent option
• La Gazzetta dello Sport — Dovbyk al fantacalcio: quotazione e statistiche del nuovo attaccante del Bologna