Bologna sign Artem Dovbyk on loan from Roma as Santiago Castro moves the other way

Bologna have secured the return of Artem Dovbyk to the club, with the Ukrainian striker arriving on a season-long loan from Roma that includes an option to buy at the end of the campaign for €18 million.

The deal is part of a major striker swap between the two Serie A sides that has seen Argentina forward Santiago Castro move in the opposite direction to the Giallorossi for a fee of €35 million plus add-ons and a 10 per cent sell-on clause.

Dovbyk, 29, is no stranger to the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara, having spent a previous loan spell with Bologna during the 2023-24 season before transferring to Roma, where he spent two campaigns. The Ukraine international — who finished as the Serie A top scorer in 2023-24 with 24 goals while at Bologna — now returns to familiar surroundings.

According to Football Italia, Bologna will cover the entirety of Dovbyk's salary throughout the loan period, with both players expected to undergo medical examinations on Tuesday 28 July.

The swap represents a significant reshaping of both attacking departments. Castro, 21, had emerged as a key figure for Bologna since joining from Velez Sarsfield, and his permanent move to Roma for €35m underlines the capital club's faith in the Argentine's potential.

For Bologna, bringing back a proven goalscorer in Dovbyk on a structured deal with a manageable option-to-buy figure of €18m represents a shrewd piece of business as they look to build on last season's performances.

Sources

• https://football-italia.net/done-deals-castro-dovbyk-amondarain-diawara/