Juventus has secured the signing of right-back Zeki Çelik on a free transfer from AS Roma, according to reports from Kicker and Transfermarkt. The move comes after Juventus reportedly intervened to prevent Çelik from extending his contract with the Rome-based club, facilitating his move to Turin despite previous indications of a commitment to remain at the Stadio Olimpico.
Zeki Çelik Joins Juventus on Free Transfer
The right-back arrives in Turin without a transfer fee, ending his tenure with AS Roma. While reports from OneFootball previously indicated that Roma had reached agreements on new contracts for several players, including Çelik, Mancini, and Cristante, the deal for the defender did not materialize.
According to Transfermarkt, Juventus actively worked to prevent the contract extension between Çelik and Roma, ensuring the player would be available as a free agent. This tactical maneuver allowed the Bianconeri to secure the player’s signature without paying a transfer fee to the Giallorossi.
Tactical Implications for the Juventus Defense
For global readers, it is important to note that the “free transfer” status means the player’s contract with his previous club expired or was terminated, allowing the new club to negotiate terms directly with the player rather than paying a buyout fee to the former team.
Contrast in Transfer Reports
OneFootball reported that Roma had reached an agreement with Çelik regarding a new contract. However, Kicker and Transfermarkt clarify that this agreement was superseded by Juventus’s intervention, which ultimately led the player to choose Turin over a renewal in Rome.
This move is part of a broader recruitment drive by Juventus. Reports from OneFootball suggest this is the second deal in a series of moves for the club, with ongoing monitoring of other targets such as Pervis Estupiñán, Trevor Chalobah, and Manu Koné.
Player Profile and Background
Next Steps for Juventus
Fans and analysts are encouraged to share their thoughts on this defensive addition in the comments section below.
Related reading
