Juventus have completed the signing of Zeki Celik from Roma, the club confirmed on Monday. The 29-year-old Turkish international joins the Bianconeri on a free transfer, bolstering their options at right-back.
Celik’s move to Juventus came as a surprise, with a contract renewal with Roma appearing likely until a late intervention from the Turin club. Manager Luciano Spalletti will now have the experienced defender at his disposal, replacing Robin Holm who recently returned to Bologna after a short spell.
The right-back arrives in Turin after a successful spell with Roma, where he scored his first goal in Italian football. Prior to joining Roma, Celik spent three seasons with Lille in Ligue 1, making 118 appearances and contributing 6 goals and 17 assists. He has also featured in the Champions League and Europa League, accumulating 56 appearances across both competitions.
During his time in Serie A, Celik has made 106 appearances, registering one goal and five assists. Last season, he demonstrated versatility, being deployed both as a traditional right-back and as a wing-back by former Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini. This adaptability will be valued by Spalletti, who frequently alternates between defensive formations. The arrival of Celik is expected to provide competition and allow for rotation with existing options, potentially giving Pierre Kalulu more opportunities to rest.
Fantasy football analysts suggest Celik could be a useful addition as a squad player, particularly for those seeking a budget-friendly defensive option. He is currently valued at 19 credits in the Gazzetta Fantacampionato and is recommended as a potential sixth or seventh pick in auctions, with a suggested budget allocation of no more than 2% of the total funds.
