Juventus blindsides rival Roma with Celik deal
Juventus completed the surprise signing of Turkiye right-back Zeki Celik on a free transfer, after he failed to agree a new deal with Serie A rival Roma.
Roma had reportedly been confident of agreeing fresh terms with the 29 year-old, who joined the Giallorossi from Lille in 2022.
He made 151 appearances for Roma across all competitions, scoring two goals and assisting 10, while helping them clinch a return to the Champions League via a third-placed finish in the Italian top flight in 2025-2026.
However, Celik will now represent one of the sides Roma beat to a top-four finish after putting pen to paper on a three-year deal with Juventus, who finished sixth.
Celik appeared in two of Turkiye's three games at the World Cup as they suffered a humiliating group-stage exit, losing to Australia and Paraguay before beating the United States in a dead rubber on matchday three.
Juve has completed four signings ahead of 2026-2027, having made the loan stints of Lois Openda and Jeremie Boga permanent and secured a €16m deal for forward Jeff Ekhator from Genoa.
Dusan Vlahovic, Filip Kostic and Timothy Weah have all left Turin, with the latter heading to Marseille for €14m and the others departing as free agents.
