{"id":12700,"date":"2026-07-17T10:36:47","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T07:36:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/?p=12700"},"modified":"2026-07-17T10:36:47","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T07:36:47","slug":"juventus-hijack-roma-deal-to-sign-zeki-celik-on-free-transfer-in-stunning-transfer-twist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/juventus-hijack-roma-deal-to-sign-zeki-celik-on-free-transfer-in-stunning-transfer-twist\/","title":{"rendered":"Juventus Hijack Roma Deal to Sign Zeki \u00c7elik on Free Transfer in Stunning Transfer Twist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.juventus.com\/en\/\">Juventus<\/a><\/strong> have pulled off one of the biggest transfer surprises of the summer by hijacking <strong>AS Roma&#8217;s agreement with Zeki \u00c7elik<\/strong> and signing the Turkish international on a free transfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The experienced right-back had been expected to remain in Rome after reaching a verbal agreement over a new contract. However, in a dramatic twist that unfolded in less than 24 hours, Juventus quietly stepped in, convinced the defender to change course, completed a secret medical in Turin, and secured his signature on a three-year deal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The move has left Roma stunned and handed Juventus an experienced Serie A defender without paying a transfer fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Juventus Hijacked Roma&#8217;s Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For weeks, Roma believed they had done enough to keep \u00c7elik.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reports earlier in July suggested the club had reached an agreement on fresh contract terms, with only the official announcement remaining. Juventus, however, continued working discreetly behind the scenes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to multiple reports, the Bianconeri accelerated negotiations after identifying the Turkish defender as an ideal opportunity in the free-agent market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Within hours:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Juventus contacted the player&#8217;s representatives.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u00c7elik travelled to Turin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A medical was completed in secret.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Personal terms were agreed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A three-year contract was signed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was one of the fastest transfer turnarounds of the window and a major setback for Roma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Juventus Wanted Zeki \u00c7elik<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although this signing may not carry the glamour of a marquee transfer, Juventus believe \u00c7elik solves several important squad issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Experience in Serie A<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Having spent four seasons with Roma, \u00c7elik already understands the tactical demands of Italian football.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is virtually no adaptation period required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Defensive Versatility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of \u00c7elik&#8217;s biggest strengths is flexibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He can operate as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Right-back<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Right wing-back<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Right-sided centre-back in a back three<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That versatility gives Juventus valuable tactical options throughout a demanding season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reliability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Turkish international has built a reputation as one of Serie A&#8217;s most dependable defenders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He rarely misses matches through injury and has consistently delivered solid performances, making him a dependable squad option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Zeki \u00c7elik&#8217;s Career So Far<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u00c7elik&#8217;s journey to Juventus has been built on consistency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After beginning his career in Turkey with Bursaspor and Istanbulspor, he earned a move to Lille in France, where he became one of Ligue 1&#8217;s best right-backs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His achievements include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ligue 1 champion with Lille (2020\/21)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Four successful seasons in France<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transfer to AS Roma in 2022<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Over 150 appearances for Roma in all competitions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More than 60 international caps for Turkey, including captaining the national team on occasion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His experience at both domestic and international level made him an attractive target for Juventus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Roma Are Disappointed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Roma believed the renewal was effectively complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The club had negotiated improved terms and expected only a formal announcement before Juventus intervened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Losing \u00c7elik creates several challenges:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reduced defensive depth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Need to sign a replacement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthening a direct Serie A rival.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Roma have reportedly turned their attention to Atl\u00e9tico Madrid full-back <strong>Nahuel Molina<\/strong> as they look to fill the gap left by \u00c7elik&#8217;s departure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What \u00c7elik Brings to Juventus<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While not regarded as a superstar signing, \u00c7elik offers qualities every successful team needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tactical Discipline<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He is comfortable defending deep and maintaining positional structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">European Experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Years in Ligue 1, Serie A and European competitions have made him a composed defender in high-pressure matches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Winning Mentality<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From Lille&#8217;s historic Ligue 1 title to regular European football with Roma, \u00c7elik understands what it takes to compete at the highest level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is This Smart Business by Juventus?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Absolutely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rather than spending significant money on a backup defender, Juventus have signed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An experienced international.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A proven Serie A performer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A versatile defender.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A free agent.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The club only incurs wages and relatively modest associated costs, making the deal one of the most cost-effective moves of the transfer window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fan Reactions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The transfer has generated mixed reactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Juventus supporters have largely praised the club for acting decisively in the market and adding experienced depth at no transfer fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Roma fans, meanwhile, have expressed frustration at seeing a player they expected to retain leave for a domestic rival at the last moment. Online discussions reflect both disappointment from Roma supporters and cautious optimism among Juventus fans about the value of the signing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Verdict: Rating the Signing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Considering the circumstances, this looks like excellent business for Juventus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They have strengthened their squad without paying a transfer fee while weakening a direct Serie A rival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u00c7elik may not be the headline-grabbing signing of the summer, but his experience, versatility and reliability make him a valuable addition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rating: 8.5\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is not a blockbuster Gal\u00e1ctico-style transfer, but it is exactly the type of intelligent, low-risk move that can strengthen a squad competing for Serie A and European honours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bangbet.com\">Bangbet<\/a> More Than Win!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Juventus have pulled off one of the biggest transfer surprises of the summer by hijacking AS Roma&#8217;s agreement with Zeki \u00c7elik and signing the Turkish international on a free transfer. The experienced right-back had been expected to remain in Rome after reaching a verbal agreement over a new contract. However, in a dramatic twist that [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":12702,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12700","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-football-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12700","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12700"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12700\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12704,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12700\/revisions\/12704"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12702"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12700"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12700"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12700"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}