Key Takeaways:
- Roma had arranged flights and a medical for Zeki Celik before Juventus intervened to secure his signing
- Negotiations between Roma and Celik had centred on a contract worth €3-3.1 million per season plus bonuses
- Coach Gian Piero Gasperini expressed fury after missing out on the Turkish defender, whom he considered vital for Roma’s Champions League campaign
Details of the Transfer Race
The unexpected outcome of Zeki Celik’s proposed transfer has left Roma and their supporters in shock, as Juventus managed to land the Turkish defender at the final hour. Roma had taken concrete steps towards finalising the deal, including booking Celik’s flights to Fiumicino airport and scheduling his medical examination for Friday, 17 July. The contract negotiations had seen Celik’s wage request drop from an initial €3.8 million annually – a figure tied to Italy’s expiring tax benefits – to a final agreement of €3-3.1 million per year along with bonuses.
👀Zeki Celik had agreed to personal terms with Roma for a contract until 2029 at €2.5m plus some bonuses but Juventus had offered more (3.2m that rises to €4m after bonuses) and so they have closed the deal with the Turkish fullback last week (@NicoSchira ) pic.twitter.com/Y3c8drMVeS
— 🎥 The AJC 🏳️🏴 (@The_AJC_) July 17, 2026
All formalities appeared settled, with the offer documentation signed off by newly-appointed sporting director Tony D’Amico and awaiting only Celik’s representatives’ countersignature. Such was Roma’s confidence in concluding the transfer that logistical arrangements for his arrival were already set in motion.
Juventus’ Strategic Intervention
The situation pivoted rapidly when Juventus, led by technical director Frederic Massara, orchestrated a discreet move for Celik. Massara, who had previously overseen contract renewal discussions with Celik during his tenure at Roma, utilised his in-depth understanding of the player’s contract stance to facilitate swift negotiations in Turin. Juventus conducted the entire process discreetly and announced the acquisition of Celik on Thursday evening, catching Roma by surprise.
Repercussions at Roma
The collapse of the Celik move has provoked a strong reaction in Rome. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who viewed Celik as integral to Roma’s plans for their Champions League return, had directly urged club owners Friedkin to expedite the deal. Disillusioned fans have also voiced frustration, labelling Celik a “traitor” on social media platforms, notwithstanding his lengthy farewell message.
