Roma Target Molina and Dodo as Replacements for Çelik After Juventus Move
Transfer News·18 July 2026·1d ago

Roma Target Molina and Dodo as Replacements for Çelik After Juventus Move

Source: Cult of Calcio

Roma have identified Nahuel Molina and Dodo as potential replacements for Zeki Çelik following his free transfer to Juventus. Çelik's contract expired at the end of June, and despite Roma's attempts to negotiate a new deal, the Turkish defender joined the record-time Italian champions. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's side must now find a suitable right-back before the summer transfer window closes, though Wesley Franca could slot into the right wing if needed.

Roma's pursuit of Champions League football for the first time in eight years has made squad strengthening a priority. Molina, 28, has impressed for Argentina at the World Cup and has fallen out of favour at Atlético Madrid, with his contract due to expire next summer—potentially allowing Roma to negotiate favourable terms. Dodo, currently at Fiorentina, similarly has less than a year remaining on his deal. However, Molina's strong World Cup form could convince Diego Simeone to reintegrate him at Madrid. Inter have also been linked with Dodo over the past six months, adding competition for the Brazilian defender's signature.

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# Zeki Çelik Completes Juventus Move; Roma Hunt for Replacements Zeki Çelik has joined Juventus after his contract with AS Roma expired, ending a period in which the club attempted to negotiate his renewal. Il Romanista reports he signed a three-year deal through June 2029 with accessory costs of one million euros, completing his medical in secret while Roma believed renewal talks were nearly finalized. The defender has expressed immediate satisfaction with his new club, telling media he bonded quickly with Juventus teammates and is committed to delivering performances for the Bianconeri. Luciano Spalletti, Roma's former head coach, praised Çelik as "a player of character" with "a warrior's spirit," predicting he would integrate easily at Turin. In his farewell message, Çelik thanked Roma figures including José Mourinho, Daniele De Rossi, and Gian Piero Gasperini, expressing gratitude for their trust despite his departure. Roma must now find a replacement before the transfer window closes. Cult of Calcio reports the club is targeting Atlético Madrid's Nahuel Molina and Fiorentina's Dodo as potential right-back options. Meanwhile, Roma News indicates Juventus—under director Ricky Massara, who recently joined from Roma—are intensifying pursuit of Lorenzo Pellegrini, exploiting contract renewal stalemate talks between the midfielder and the Giallorossi.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

After losing Zeki Celik to Juventus, Roma are in the market for a new right-back. According to Sky Sports via Calciomercato, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men have set their sights on Nahuel Molina and Dodo. Roma had hoped to convince Celik to sign a new deal after letting his previous contract expire at…

Read the full article in Italian at Cult of Calcio.

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