Celik Joins Juve
Juventus Confirms Zeki Celik Free Transfer from Roma, Boosting Right-Back Options
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Key Points
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Celik reportedly turned down Roma's renewal offer believed to be about €2.8 million per season, and there were claims in February 2026 that Juventus had an agreement in principle with his representatives—claims his agent publicly disputed at the time.
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The transfer move was executed quickly, with Celik reportedly undergoing a medical at Juventus and a three-year contract prepared, with key negotiations steered by Juventus executives including Ricky Massara and Giovanni Carnevali.
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Juventus opted to pursue Celik over permanently signing Emil Holm after the Bologna loan, signaling a concrete plan to bolster the right-back slot without a transfer fee.
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Celik is a 29-year-old Turkish international with extensive Serie A experience, including more than 70 appearances for Roma, and his move to Juve has been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano as a three-year, free-transfer deal.
Zeki Çelik is leaving Roma for Juventus on a free transfer, signing a three-year deal through June 2029. Yahoo Sports confirmed the move, with transfer insider Fabrizio Romano backing the deal. The Turkish right-back walked away from Roma without a penny going to his former club.
Çelik, 29, turned down Roma's renewal offer — reportedly worth €2.8 million per season — and chose Turin instead. Crypto Briefing described the move as Juventus "hijacking" Roma's deal. It is a stinging blow for Roma, who now must find a replacement with nothing to show for losing their starter.
How Juventus Quietly Stole Çelik From Roma
Juventus had been tracking Çelik for months. As far back as February 2026, reports surfaced that Juve had an agreement in principle with his representatives. His agent publicly denied it at the time. Behind the scenes, though, negotiations were moving forward — steered by Juventus executives Ricky Massara and Giovanni Carnevali.
Roma believed they had a verbal agreement with Çelik to renew. They were wrong. According to YS Scores, a preliminary deal with Juventus was reached before Roma realized what was happening. Çelik then underwent a medical in Turin, and the three-year contract was ready to sign.
Why Juventus Chose Çelik Over Emil Holm
Juventus had another option at right-back. Emil Holm spent the season on loan at Juventus from Bologna. The club decided not to make that deal permanent. Instead, they went for Çelik — a proven Serie A starter with no transfer fee attached.
Çelik has made more than 70 appearances for Roma since arriving from Lille. He is also captain of the Turkish national team. For Juventus, this is seasoned Serie A experience at zero cost. That is a hard deal to turn down.
Roma Left Empty-Handed, Now Scrambling for Cover
Roma's situation is uncomfortable. They thought they were keeping their right-back. Now he is gone, and they received no transfer fee. Several clubs had shown interest in Çelik earlier in the window, including reported suitors like Manchester United and Inter, but none of that helped Roma in the end.
Roma will need to move quickly in the transfer market to plug the gap. Çelik was a reliable starter, and replacing that quality — without a fee windfall to spend — will not be easy. It is a messy situation born from a negotiation that slipped away.
What the Deal Means for Juventus Going Forward
For Juventus, the move is smart business. They get a 29-year-old international with deep Serie A knowledge. They pay no transfer fee. The three-year contract runs to June 2029, giving the club stability at right-back. Yahoo Sports called it a move that fills a clear need without straining the budget.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed the deal, lending it his signature seal of approval. Juventus framed this as a fiscally responsible way to strengthen the squad ahead of the 2026/27 season. Free transfers of this quality rarely come along. Juventus moved fast — and Roma never saw it coming.
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