Çelik joins Juventus on three-year deal after last-minute switch from Roma renewal talks
Transfer News·17 July 2026·1h ago

Çelik joins Juventus on three-year deal after last-minute switch from Roma renewal talks

Source: Il Romanista

Zeki Çelik has completed a transfer to Juventus on a contract until 30 June 2029, with accessory costs of one million euros, ending a period in which Roma was preparing to formalize his renewal. The Turkish defender underwent medical examinations with Juventus in secret while renewal discussions with Roma were described as nearly complete; Roma had even arranged a flight for him to travel to the capital and join squad training the following day. Juventus announced the signing on their official website yesterday evening.

Çelik posted a farewell message on social media thanking the Roma family and listing those who shaped his time at the club. He specifically acknowledged José Mourinho for giving him the opportunity to wear the shirt, as well as Daniele De Rossi, Ivan Jurić, and Claudio Ranieri. He also extended particular gratitude to Gian Piero Gasperini, writing: "Even though we worked together for a short time, the trust, sincerity and respect you showed me meant so much. I will always be grateful to you. Now it's time to start a new chapter of my career. But I will always carry this club, this city and all of you in my heart."

The move carries an ironic undertone: weeks earlier, when Roma's then-director Massara was still at the club, he was reportedly unconvinced about renewing Çelik's contract despite Gasperini's request. Massara has since joined Juventus, where photos have now circulated of him posing with Çelik in the Juventus shirt.

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Zeki Çelik has completed a shock transfer to Juventus on a three-year deal running until June 2029, abandoning Roma's renewal negotiations at the final hour. The Turkish right-back, who joined Roma in 2022 under José Mourinho, underwent medical tests with Juventus while Roma believed his contract renewal was nearly finalized—the club had even arranged transport for him to join training the next day. Il Romanista reports the deal includes one million euros in accessory costs, while Forza Roma indicates Juventus offered marginally more than Roma's €2.5 million annual proposal. In an emotional farewell message, Çelik thanked Mourinho, Daniele De Rossi, Ivan Jurić, and Claudio Ranieri for their guidance, and expressed particular gratitude to Gian Piero Gasperini. The departure represents a significant recruitment setback for Roma under their new head coach Gasperini, leaving a defensive gap as the club pursues its summer plans.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

Zeki Celik è un nuovo giocatore della Juventus. A sorpresa, quasi di nascosto, dopo una lunga trattativa a distanza per il rinnovo con la Roma ormai solo da formalizzare, tanto che i giallorossi avevano già acquistato per lui un biglietto aereo per portarlo a Roma a firmare, per poi essere in campo…

Read the full article in Italian at Il Romanista.

Read original on Il Romanista

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