The Giallorossi have struck a deal with Turkish defender Zeki Celik to extend his stay on a three-year contract, removing uncertainty over his future after his previous agreement expired on 30 June. The renewal is reportedly worth approximately €3 million per season and represents a significant boost for the club ahead of their return to the Champions League.
The 27-year-old had entered the summer as a free agent, attracting concrete interest from Serie A rivals Juventus and Inter. The Nerazzurri in particular viewed Celik as a potential solution to their requirements on the right side of defence, while Juventus also monitored his situation as they assessed options for their backline. Despite these approaches from domestic competitors, Celik has opted to extend his stay in the capital.
Gasperini’s decisive intervention
Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini played a decisive role in securing Celik’s commitment to the new terms. The manager relied heavily on the full-back throughout the previous campaign, selecting him from the start in 43 of the 45 matches in which he featured. This near-constant presence underlines Celik’s tactical importance to Roma’s system.
The defender’s consistent performances contributed significantly to the club securing qualification for Europe’s premier competition. With Roma preparing to compete in the Champions League next season, retaining experienced personnel became a priority for the Giallorossi hierarchy. Gasperini was reportedly determined to keep the Turkey international within his squad rather than allow him to strengthen a rival.
Contract structure and pending confirmation
The agreement binds Celik to the club for the next three seasons, with the player set to earn roughly €3 million annually throughout the duration of the deal. Financial terms were understood to be a key factor in the negotiations, with the final arrangement reflecting both the player’s status and the economic realities of the Italian top flight.
While the contractual paperwork is believed to be complete, Roma have not yet issued the formal announcement confirming the extension. The resolution ensures continuity in a defensive unit that proved reliable during the previous campaign and provides stability for Gasperini as he plans his squad for the demands of competing on multiple fronts.