Juventus Hijack Zeki Çelik Deal as Roma Renewal Collapses

Juventus have completed a surprise move for Zeki Çelik, hijacking the defender’s expected contract renewal with Roma.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Bianconeri are very close to finalizing an agreement with the Turkish full-back, overtaking Roma after the Giallorossi failed to reach a final understanding with the player. Di Marzio is reporting that he will sign a 3 year contract.

Matteo Moretto reports that Juventus moved in secret despite Çelik having previously given his approval to a new Roma contract. The two parties were reportedly in the process of exchanging documents, with signatures expected to follow.

Fabrizio Romano adds that the deal is now complete. The Turkish international travelled to Turin on Wednesday to undergo his medical and sign his contract with Juventus. Roma, meanwhile, were still waiting for the signed renewal documents when Çelik reached an agreement with the Bianconeri instead.

The dramatic turnaround represents a major blow for Roma, who believed they were on the verge of securing the defender’s long-term future before Juventus intervened at the final stage.

Update from Filippo Biafora:

According to Filippo Biafora, Juventus have sensationally overtaken Roma in the race to sign Zeki Çelik.

The Turkish defender completed his medical with the Bianconeri on Wednesday confirming earlier reports from Romeo Agresti.

Çelik had already reached an agreement to renew his contract with Roma and was even expected to report to Trigoria in the coming days to begin preseason with the Giallorossi.

Instead, Juventus moved decisively to secure the full-back in one of the summer’s biggest transfer twists.

Update from Fabrizio Romano:

According to Fabrizio Romano, Roma had already signed their portion of Zeki Çelik’s renewal contract and were expecting the Turkish defender to report for preseason this weekend.

While delaying the return of the countersigned documents Çelik instead made the surprise decision to join Juventus leaving the Giallorossi completely unaware that negotiations had taken such a dramatic turn.

Update from Eleonora Trotta:

 Zeki Çelik had reached a verbal agreement with Roma over a new contract worth around €3.3 million per season.

However, the Turkish full-back ultimately chose Juventus, where he is expected to earn approximately €4 million including bonuses.

The improved financial package played a significant role in the Bianconeri’s successful late move for the defender.