Key Takeaways:
- Zeki Celik is poised to join Juventus on a free transfer following the collapse of his contract extension with Roma
- The Turkish defender has already undergone a medical at the J Medical centre and is set to sign a three-year deal, with only official statements pending
- Roma had previously agreed terms with Celik, but his prior contract expired on 30 June, leaving him free to negotiate with other clubs
Juventus Complete Quiet Transfer Move
Juventus have secured the signature of Zeki Celik after a swift and discreet negotiation caught Roma by surprise. The Bianconeri acted rapidly to secure the Turkish defender, with the final contractual details being settled by his agents for a three-year agreement. The transfer is all but confirmed, with official statements anticipated within hours.
🚨⚪️⚫️ Juventus hijack AS Roma new deal talks and agree to sign Zeki Celik, here we go! 🇹🇷
Agreement in principle with Turkish right back to join Juventus on a free transfer despite verbal pact with AS Roma.
Celik was in Turin today, deal in place – as @romeoagresti reports. pic.twitter.com/BTp03jwwtP
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 16, 2026
Breakdown of Roma’s Expected Renewal
This unexpected move represents a significant setback for Roma, who earlier this month had reportedly finalised a new contract with Celik worth approximately €3 million per year. All elements of the renewal were ostensibly agreed and awaiting formal announcement. However, Celik’s previous contract had already lapsed on 30 June, leaving him unattached and legally free to entertain offers from other clubs, a detail Juventus capitalised upon. With Roma confident that their agreement with Celik was secure, they found themselves powerless to prevent his switch to a Serie A rival.
| Player | Previous Club | New Club | Transfer Status | Contract Length | Reported Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zeki Celik | Roma | Juventus | Free Transfer | Three years | €3 million per season |
Transfer Details and Timeline
The deal was orchestrated swiftly by sporting director Frederic Massara in a manoeuvre described as a “blitz with the headlights off.” Juventus acted decisively during the period in which Celik was a free agent, finalising the medical and contractual process behind closed doors. The formalisation of his transfer is expected imminently, bringing to a close one of the most dramatic twists of the current transfer window.
