Over 300 Roma fans greet Santiago Castro upon arrival in Italy

More than 300 AS Roma fans gathered at Rome Termini station to welcome Argentine striker Santiago Castro, who arrived Monday night to sign his contract with the Italian club. The 21-year-old forward makes the move from Bologna in a transfer reportedly worth 35 million euros fixed, with an additional 2 million in bonuses.

Castro, who began his career at Vélez Sarsfield in Argentina, is set to join fellow countrymen Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé at Roma. He will also participate in the Champions League with the team. Last season with Bologna, Castro scored 11 goals and registered 4 assists in 51 matches, bringing his total for the club to 22 goals and 13 assists in 105 appearances.

Castro was part of Argentina's preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and recently won the Coppa Italia with Bologna in the 2024/2025 season. The Roma management, led by the Friedkin family, believes Castro's addition will bolster the club's aspirations as they return to top-tier European competition after a seven-year absence. The club's sporting director is also reportedly pursuing Norwegian winger Antonio Nusa.

Roma's offensive renewal under coach Gian Piero Gasperini sees Castro as an ideal piece to strengthen the attack. Italian press reports indicate he is scheduled for a medical examination this week and is expected to join the team's preseason training in Wales immediately. Castro debuted for Vélez at 16 and played 64 matches, scoring nine goals before his departure.