Juventus have completed the signing of Zeki Celik from Roma, the club confirmed on Tuesday. The 29-year-old Turkish international has signed a contract until June 30, 2029, arriving in Turin on a free transfer after his deal with Roma expired. The move was orchestrated with the involvement of Juventus’s sporting director, Giovanni Massara.
Celik was a regular starter for Roma under manager Daniele De Rossi, having previously played under Gasperini, and had been in discussions regarding a contract extension with the club. However, negotiations stalled, allowing Juventus to swiftly secure his services as their second signing of the transfer window following Jeff Ekhator. The acquisition provides manager Luciano Spalletti with a versatile option at right-back, offering competition for the position currently held by Kalulu.
Last season, Celik made 45 appearances for Roma across all competitions, contributing one goal and three assists. Primarily a right-sided defender, he is capable of playing centrally when required, providing tactical flexibility. He played a key role in Roma’s qualification for the Champions League, ironically at the expense of Juventus.
The club statement confirmed that Juventus will pay accessory costs of €1 million during the current exercise as part of the agreement. Celik expressed his excitement about joining the club, stating via Juventus’s social media channels, “Ciao Bianconeri! I am happy to be here, see you soon. Forza Juve!”
Celik also penned an emotional farewell message to Roma supporters on Instagram, thanking the club, his teammates, and the fans for their support during his time in the Italian capital. He specifically acknowledged the impact of managers José Mourinho, Daniele De Rossi, Ivan Jurić, Claudio Ranieri, and Gian Piero Gasperini on his career. The arrival of Celik strengthens Juventus’s defensive options as they prepare for the upcoming Serie A season.
