Celik completes Juventus switch after dramatic U-turn
Zeki Celik has officially joined Juventus on a free transfer, signing a contract until 30 June 2029.
The Turkey international had been a free agent since his Roma contract expired on 30 June, and had even agreed terms on a renewal with the Giallorossi earlier this month. However, Juventus moved swiftly to hijack the deal, with sporting director Frederic Massara driving a silent operation that concluded on Thursday.
A regulatory filing confirmed that the Bianconeri will pay ancillary costs of €1 million as part of the registration, with no transfer fee involved.
“Zeki Celik is a new Juventus player. The Turkish wing-back has signed a contract that will keep him at the Bianconeri until 30 June 2029,” the club announced.
Experienced defender brings pedigree to Turin
Celik, 29, arrives with a wealth of experience, having won the Ligue 1 title and French Super Cup during a four-year spell at Lille before moving to Roma in 2022. He made over 100 appearances for the capital club, establishing himself as a reliable right-back.
The defender’s versatility and top-flight experience are expected to bolster Juventus’s defensive options as they prepare for the 2026-27 Serie A campaign under new head coach Roberto De Zerbi.
Celik becomes Juventus’s second signing of the summer following the arrival of Nico Gonzalez from Fiorentina, as the club continues to reshape its squad.
