Roma pundits react to Çelik's departure as Gasperini expresses frustration
Transfer News·17 July 2026·8h ago

Roma pundits react to Çelik's departure as Gasperini expresses frustration

Source: Roma News

Roma radio analysts have weighed in on Zeki Çelik's unexpected move to Juventus, with several pointing to the club's slow handling of contract negotiations as the root cause. Çelik, who had promised to stay under Gasperini, departed after Roma failed to secure his renewal in time, allowing Juventus to sign him on an undisclosed agreement. The transfer has created friction between the coach and the front office; Gasperini reportedly told his staff: "I asked for three renewals, including Celik's" and expressed dismay at the unexpected loss.

Analysts criticised the club's operational delays. One commentator noted that "the Roma had a slow and incapable sporting director, and instead the player was stolen from under their nose." The delay in finalizing negotiations left Çelik exposed to outside interest, despite his progress as a starter. Gasperini wanted the renewal secured and views the situation as a significant setback. However, some observers acknowledged that verbal agreements hold no weight once another club enters the picture, and that Juventus's interest had been known for weeks. The wage package Çelik will earn at Juventus reportedly would have caused financial strain at Roma.

Former Roma striker Roberto Pruzzo reflected on the shift in modern football: "There's no longer that attachment to the shirt there used to be. He's always been a professional." Analyst Orsi characterised the loss as "a defeat for Gasperini," noting concerns that Lorenzo Pellegrini could follow Çelik to Juventus.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

La rubrica di Romanews.eu “Senti chi parla… alle radio” è lo spazio quotidiano in cui potete leggere i commenti sul mondo Roma di speaker e opinionisti protagonisti dell’etere romano raccolti dalla nostra Redazione. Aspri a Radio Radio Pomeriggio: “Su Pellegrini, quello che mi dicono è che siamo a…

Read the full article in Italian at Roma News.

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