Bologna Firmly Rejects Al Hilal’s Move for Santiago Castro

Bologna has made it clear Santiago Castro is not for sale. The club turned down Al Hilal’s offer as the Saudi Pro League transfer window closed without a deal.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Saudi club Al Hilal offered to sign Argentine striker Santiago Castro. They wanted to strengthen their attack before the transfer window deadline. Castro had played well, with 36 games last season, scoring 8 goals and providing 4 assists. He has also played in Bologna’s two Serie A matches this season and continues to impress.

Even with Al Hilal’s interest, Bologna refused to talk about selling Castro. They see him as a key player and blocked the move. Al Hilal’s manager, Simone Inzaghi, wanted Castro for his team, but Bologna wants to keep him this season.

WHY CASTRO AND BOLOGNA WON’T MOVE

Bologna wants to stay strong after their successful season last year, where they secured European football by winning the Coppa Italia. Castro’s contract runs until June 2028, and he is a crucial part of Bologna’s attack. He has scored 11 goals and provided 10 assists in 56 games since joining from Vélez Sarsfield. Bologna had a strong 2024/25 Serie A season, securing a European competition spot following their Coppa Italia win last year confirmed.

Both Santiago Castro and Bologna want to stay together. The striker wants to keep developing in Italy and rejected the idea of moving to Saudi Arabia. Both the player and the club turned down all offers from Al Hilal.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR BOLOGNA AND CASTRO?

Bologna aims to continue their strong start to the 2025/26 campaign. Castro is expected to play a key role as they prepare for their next Serie A fixture against AC Milan. Both teams are close in the standings, with Bologna aiming to move up and Milan looking to keep pace.

For Santiago Castro, the focus remains on improving his goal tally and pushing for a call-up to the Argentina senior team. Al Hilal, on the other hand, will need to look for other options to strengthen their team after failing to sign the young forward.