On the evening of August 18, Eastern Time, the struggles of Dovbik in Serie A have drawn widespread attention. Just a year ago, he was one of La Liga’s hottest scorers; now, he seems to have become a “surplus player” under Roma’s new coach Gasperini. For the Ukrainian striker, his Italian adventure appears to have barely begun before it already faces a premature curtain call.
Last summer, Dovbik joined Roma from Girona for a transfer fee of €30.5 million, a move that excited the Red Wolves’ fans. At the time, having just won the La Liga Golden Boot with 24 goals, he was expected to be the new focal point of Roma’s attack. Yet, after only one season, he has been pushed toward the transfer market. With the arrivals of Evan Ferguson and Leon Bailey, along with Gasperini’s tactical system, Dovbik is no longer an automatic starter, and Roma’s management has begun considering recouping their investment.
According to Italian media reports on August 18, Eastern Time, with Napoli’s main striker Lukaku sidelined long-term due to injury, Dovbik quickly entered their radar. Journalist Fabrizio Romano also revealed that agents have recommended Dovbik to Napoli. Roma are open to a transfer, but prefer a permanent sale over a loan, asking at least €30 million. Meanwhile, AC Milan has identified Dovbik as a target for their forward line. Roma correspondent Luca Bianchin disclosed that the club is even open to player exchanges, potentially involving Yunus Musah or others. Juventus, Villarreal, and Leeds United have also been linked with Dovbik.
It is worth remembering that during the 2023/24 season at Girona, Dovbik excelled with 24 goals and 8 assists, claiming the La Liga Golden Boot. Girona’s tactics were built around him, making him the undisputed central figure in the box, supported with ample space and service from teammates. This “team built around him” approach allowed Dovbik to maximize his scoring potential.
However, after just one season, the former La Liga Golden Boot winner has gone from a shining star to a tradable asset on Roma’s transfer market. The contrast is striking and has left fans disappointed.
Since arriving in Serie A, Dovbik’s performance has noticeably declined. Last season, he played 32 league matches, scoring only 12 goals and providing 2 assists—a drop of roughly one-third compared to his La Liga numbers. This sharp decline is not accidental. Roma’s tactical setup is vastly different from Girona’s, emphasizing possession, high pressing, and requiring forwards to frequently drop back for link-up play and defensive duties. This has taken Dovbik out of the spaces where he is most dangerous, forcing him to operate further from the box, naturally reducing his goal output.
With Gasperini taking over Roma this summer, he has implemented an even more extreme “perpetual motion” style. This system demands that all players, particularly forwards, constantly run, press, and attack. Dovbik’s strengths—operating in tight spaces and acting as a poacher—do not align well with this high-intensity system. The Ukrainian striker prefers to wait in the box for opportunities rather than continuously running to drag defenders out of position, making him a peripheral figure in Gasperini’s plans.
At 28 years old, Dovbik now faces a critical crossroads in his career. Should he stay at Roma and wait for opportunities, or transfer while his market value remains, seeking to prove himself elsewhere? The former La Liga Golden Boot winner will need to carefully consider his next move.
It’s crazy how quickly things change in football. One year you’re the Golden Boot winner, the next you’re on the bench. I was checking sports betting insights the other day, and Dovbik’s odds to score if he joins Milan are still quite high. Clearly, people believe he can bounce back.
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