Juventus Snatch Çelik in Late Transfer Hijack
Zeki Çelik has officially joined Juventus on a free transfer, finalizing a move that saw the Italian giants intervene during the defender’s advanced negotiations with AS Roma. The Turkish international, whose contract with the Roman club expired on June 30, 2026, opted for the move to Turin after a sudden shift in his transfer plans.
The transfer concluded swiftly once Juventus entered the discussions. According to reporting from transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the club reached an agreement in principle with the right-back, effectively bypassing the verbal pact Çelik had previously established with AS Roma. Confirmation of the deal followed reports from Romeo Agresti, who noted that the player traveled to Turin to finalize the terms.
A Strategic Pivot for the 29-Year-Old
The move marks a significant shift for the 29-year-old defender, who had been a regular fixture in the Roma squad since his arrival from Lille in the summer of 2022. Zeki Çelik’s transition to the Allianz Stadium occurs as he enters the prime of his career.
Capitalizing on the Free Agent Market
By joining as a free agent, Çelik allows Juventus to strengthen their defensive rotation without a transfer fee.
Bolstering the Bianconeri Defensive Rotation
The move effectively concludes his chapter in Rome, shifting his focus to the competitive demands of the Bianconeri.
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