Roma Forced to Rethink Transfer Plans After Juventus Hijack Zeki Celik Move

Juventus

Roma have been forced to rethink their transfer plans after Juventus hijacked their move for Zeki Celik. The Turkish full-back had been close to exten...

90min.footballAI-assisted reporting

17 July 2026, 11:10 UTC1 min read

In short

Roma have been forced to rethink their transfer plans after Juventus hijacked their move for Zeki Celik. The Turkish full-back had been close to extending his stay, but a swift move by the Bianconeri has left the Giallorossi short of wide options. Sporting director Tony D’Amico and new coach Gian Piero Gasperini are now accelerating their search for reinforcements, with Strasbourg’s Diego Moreira a top target. Negotiations are ongoing but a valuation gap remains, though personal terms are agreed. Roma may need to sign multiple players to cover the flanks ahead of the new Serie A season.

Juventus Strike Swiftly

Roma are scrambling to adjust their summer transfer strategy after Juventus completed a surprise move for full-back Zeki Celik. The Turkish defender had been widely expected to remain at the Stadio Olimpico, with negotiations for a new deal progressing positively. However, in a swift and unexpected swoop, Juventus hijacked the agreement, leaving Roma empty-handed and forcing a reassessment of their needs.

The departure of Celik leaves new head coach Gian Piero Gasperini with limited options on the flanks, increasing the pressure on sporting director Tony D’Amico to deliver reinforcements before the Serie A campaign kicks off.

Moreira Remains Priority

Roma’s focus has now shifted to alternative targets, with Diego Moreira of Strasbourg emerging as the priority. According to Football Italia, negotiations are ongoing, but there remains a gap between the clubs’ valuation of the Portuguese wing-back. Moreira has already agreed personal terms in principle, giving Roma optimism that a deal can be struck.

With the season fast approaching, Roma are expected to step up their search for wide players, potentially moving for multiple signings to fill the void left by Celik’s unexpected exit.