Bologna FC has presented Santiago Castro as a new signing, making the 19-year-old Argentine the third most expensive purchase in the club’s history. The center forward comes from training club Vélez Sarsfield for a fee of 12 million euros and can be seen as an anticipation of the impending departure of the sought-after ex-Bayern player Joshua Zirkzee (22).
At the age of 19, Argentina’s current U23 international already has the experience of 64 professional games for Véléz Sarsfield, in which he was directly involved in eleven goals. In Bologna, which occupies 8th place in Serie A, one point behind the Europa League and three points behind the Champions League, Castro has signed until 2028.
Zirkzee’s departure is probably not expected until the summer of 2024, as the Premier League clubs that are wealthy outside of this winter are currently using the handbrake on the transfer market. From July 1st, the Dutch U21 international will be hard to keep.
Jatin Dietl, Area Manager Transfer market IT, says: “Milan has already shown strong interest, but I can well imagine that coach Thiago Motta will take him with him to his new employer after his contract ends this summer. Since there is uncertainty about Zirkzee’s clause and whether it only applies to FC Bayern or to all clubs, Italy is currently preferring to remain silent about the transfer fee for the striker.
Sancho, Boey, Dier & Co.: top transfers in winter 2024
Eric Dier | Tottenham -> Bayern | Market value: €12 million
Loan Note: This gallery lists the most expensive winter transfers in 2024 based on transfer fee or most valuable based on market value – as of January 30, 2024
Hannibal | Man United -> Sevilla | Market value: €12 million
Bayern are said to have secured a buyback option worth between 20 million and 25 million euros for their ex-professional who was handed over in 2022. One thing is already certain: Zirkzee will bring a lot of money into Bologna’s coffers when he sells, whenever it happens, perhaps even significantly more than 25 million euros. 12 million euros of this have already been invested in the future with the Castro transfer.
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