Juventus have swiftly secured the services of Turkish international Zeki Çelik from Roma, the club confirmed on Thursday evening. The 26-year-old right-back arrives in Turin after completing a medical and signing a contract that will run until June 30, 2029. The transfer represents a significant coup for Juventus as they bolster their defensive options ahead of the upcoming season.
Çelik’s move to Juventus came as a surprise, as he was reportedly in discussions with Roma regarding a contract extension. However, Juventus officials Massara and Carnevali intervened, quickly convincing the player to consider a move to Piedmont. The speed of the deal suggests Juventus identified Çelik as a key target and moved decisively to secure his signature.
Born in Bursa, Turkey, in 1997, Çelik has risen through the ranks through dedication and hard work. His journey began in the Turkish lower leagues before attracting attention from Lille in 2018. He spent four successful seasons in France, playing a pivotal role in Lille’s Ligue 1 title win in the 2020-21 season, making 29 league appearances and contributing with three goals and three assists. In 2022, he made the switch to Serie A, joining Roma.
At Roma, Çelik established himself as a reliable performer under manager José Mourinho, becoming a key figure in the team’s defensive setup. He also became a regular for the Turkish national team, even captaining the side in a recent match against the United States. Mourinho had previously blocked potential moves for Çelik, highlighting his importance to the Roma squad, but ultimately the player opted for the opportunity at Juventus.
Çelik is known for his tactical versatility, capable of playing as a traditional right-back, wing-back, or even in a three-man defensive line. He is physically strong, possesses good stamina, and is known for his relentless work ethic. His arrival at Juventus provides manager Massimiliano Allegri with another experienced and dependable option at right-back, adding competition to the squad. The signing also reunites him with Juventus player Kenan Yildiz, a fellow Turkish international.
Throughout his career, Çelik has demonstrated a commitment to continuous improvement, often undertaking extra training sessions to refine his skills. This dedication, combined with his experience in top European leagues, makes him a valuable addition to the Juventus squad. His arrival is expected to strengthen Juventus’ defensive capabilities and provide tactical flexibility as they compete in Serie A and European competitions.
