Gian Piero Gasperini is reportedly furious after the full picture of Zeki Celik's stunning switch to Juventus emerged, revealing that Roma had gone as far as booking flights and scheduling a medical before the Bianconeri struck.
According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport and Tuttosport, as relayed by SportMediaset, Roma had been in advanced renewal talks with the Turkish defender, closing in on a deal worth €3-3.1 million per season plus bonuses. The club had sent the official proposal to Celik’s camp and were so confident of an agreement that they reserved flights to Fiumicino and scheduled a medical for Friday, July 17.
Massara’s Inside Knowledge Proves Decisive
The architect of Juventus’s hijack was Frederic Massara, the Bianconeri’s current technical director, who had personally opened renewal negotiations with Celik during his own spell as Roma’s sporting director. Massara used that first-hand knowledge to seal a deal entirely under the radar, with Juventus announcing the free transfer on Thursday evening. Celik has signed until June 2029, with the move costing around €1 million in agent fees.
Massara’s familiarity with the wage demands that had previously stalled talks allowed Juventus to swoop while Roma were still awaiting a countersignature from the player’s entourage.
Gasperini Feels Betrayed
Inside Roma, the mood is one of disbelief and anger. Gian Piero Gasperini had personally lobbied the Friedkin ownership to accelerate the renewal, viewing the 29-year-old as a key part of his defensive setup. The coach now feels blindsided, with sources close to the club describing him as livid that such an advanced agreement could be undone by their rivals.
Roma had effectively sealed the contract, but Massara’s knowledge of the situation and Juventus’s late intervention shattered everything,
a source told Football Italia.
The loss of Celik on a free transfer represents a significant blow for the Giallorossi, who now must scramble to find a replacement with the Serie A season fast approaching. For Gasperini, the episode is a bitter reminder of the club’s vulnerability in the transfer market.