Juventus have officially completed the signing of Turkey defender Zeki Celik on a free transfer, confirming the 29-year-old’s move from Serie A rivals Roma on Thursday evening. The defender underwent medical examinations at the Bianconeri’s J Medical facility on Wednesday before signing a contract valid until 30 June 2029. A regulatory filing disclosed that Juventus will incur ancillary costs of €1 million as part of the registration process.
The capture represents a dramatic reversal for Roma, who believed they had secured Celik’s future on a renewed deal worth €3-3.1 million per season plus bonuses. The Giallorossi had progressed sufficiently in negotiations to book flights and schedule a medical examination for Friday, 17 July, with final documents sent to the player’s entourage awaiting only signatures. However, Celik’s previous contract expired on 30 June, leaving him legally free to negotiate with any club.
Fury in the Capital
The manner of the departure has provoked significant anger in Rome. Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini is reportedly furious after personally lobbying the club’s Friedkin ownership to accelerate the contract dossier, having viewed the Turkish international as integral to plans for a return to the Champions League. Supporters have reacted equally strongly, with many branding Celik a “traitor” across social media platforms despite a farewell letter issued by the defender.
The operation was engineered by Juventus technical director Frederic Massara, who had initially opened renewal talks with Celik during his own tenure as Roma sporting director. Sources described the move as a “blitz with the headlights off,” conducted entirely under the radar until the deal was effectively sealed. Massara’s insider knowledge of the negotiations allowed Juventus to move swiftly while Roma remained confident of securing the extension.
The Revenge Plot
The bitterness surrounding the transfer has reportedly prompted Roma to seek “transfer revenge” by targeting free agent Franck Kessié. The Ivory Coast international is currently without a club after refusing to extend his contract with Al-Ahli and is open to returning to Serie A, where he previously played for Atalanta and Milan. Kessié has already worked with Gasperini and is seen as a potential replacement for midfielder Manu Koné, who remains a target for Manchester United and Liverpool.
However, Juventus have also opened talks with Kessié’s representatives. According to reports, the player’s agents have demanded a salary of at least €5 million per season plus a signing bonus. Roma are additionally monitoring Juventus winger Francisco Conceiçao, though any deal for the Portuguese youngster would likely face significant financial hurdles.
For Juventus, Celik’s arrival adds valuable defensive depth and experience ahead of the new campaign, with the defender bringing four seasons of Serie A knowledge following his prior move from Lille. Roma must now urgently seek alternatives to fill the right-sided defensive vacancy created by the departure, with pre-season preparations already underway.