Transfers
Roma plug winger void with €35m Castro signing before Wales camp
AS Roma seek to remedy a glaring winger shortage, they have completed the €35 million signing of Santiago Castro, a right‑footed left winger, after the collapse of negotiations for Greenwood and Summerville, just before the squad departs for the Wales training camp.
The club’s urgency stems from the need to replace the lost options and to reinforce the attacking flank for the upcoming friendlies. Strengthening the wing is seen as essential to provide a creative spark in the Wales camp.
The failed Greenwood and Summerville deals left Roma scrambling for alternatives, prompting the management to accelerate their transfer campaign. Those setbacks highlighted a shortage of quality on the left side.
Roma intensified the search for a right‑footed left winger who can adapt quickly, a profile that matches Castro’s attributes. The club believes his arrival will fill the void left by the collapsed negotiations.
The club announced Castro’s arrival at Rome’s Termini station, confirming a fee of roughly €35 million plus bonuses and a 10 % future resale clause. The Grugliasco‑born forward was greeted warmly by fans, and the signing was presented as the first concrete step in the rebuilding plan.
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Owner Ryan Friedkin underscored the urgency by backing the €35 million outlay, signalling that the Roman club will not delay adding quality ahead of the Wales fixtures. Friedkin’s involvement reflects a clear intent to strengthen the squad without further hesitation.
A transfer market meeting took place yesterday evening at Trigoria, attended by vice‑president D’Amico and coach Gasperini, who will travel with the team on Friday. The gathering aimed at finalising the next moves for Gasperini’s squad and confirming Castro’s integration.
The owners expressed a desire to give coach Gasperini another signing capable of contributing at the Vale Resort in Hensol and featuring in the three friendlies against Cardiff, Newport and Brighton. This indicates that further acquisitions are being considered to complement Castro’s arrival.
Roma will head to Wales for the second phase of their summer training camp, where they will face Cardiff, Newport and Brighton. Castro’s registration is complete, allowing him to take part in all three matches and begin building chemistry with the squad.
The Trigoria meeting signals that additional activity is on the horizon, with the club poised to pursue further signings before the Wales trip. The next steps involve scouting and negotiations to ensure the squad is fully equipped for the upcoming friendlies.