Juventus have signed Turkey international Zeki Celik on a free transfer until 2029 after hijacking the defender’s expected contract renewal with Roma.
Juventus have officially completed the signing of Zeki Celik, with the Turkey international joining the Serie A giants on a free transfer after leaving Roma at the end of his contract.
The Bianconeri confirmed that Celik has signed a four-year contract that will keep him in Turin until 30 June 2029, adding another experienced option to their defensive ranks ahead of the new season.
In an official statement, Juventus welcomed the 28-year-old defender, highlighting the experience he brings after successful spells in both Turkey and France. Celik enjoyed four productive seasons with Lille, where he won the Ligue 1 title and the French Super Cup before moving to Serie A.
Although Juventus paid no transfer fee to secure his signature, the club revealed in a separate financial filing that it will incur €1 million in ancillary registration costs, primarily relating to agent commissions and administrative expenses.
The move marks a dramatic twist in Celik’s future. The defender had spent four seasons with Roma and was widely expected to remain at the Stadio Olimpico after agreeing terms on a contract extension earlier this month.
Zeki Celik is Bianconero! ⚪️⚫️
Welcome to Juventus, Zeki! 😁
🗞️ https://t.co/k1mBqXYwNQ pic.twitter.com/3muSnEoof0
— JuventusFC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@juventusfcen) July 16, 2026
However, with his previous contract officially expiring on 30 June, Celik became a free agent before Roma could formally announce the renewal. Juventus quickly seized the opportunity, launching a discreet move to bring the Turkish international to Turin.
Reports suggest Juventus sporting director Frederic Massara led the negotiations in secret, moving swiftly to finalise the agreement before rival clubs could enter the race. Celik completed his medical earlier this week before putting pen to paper on his new contract.
The signing gives Juventus valuable depth and versatility at wing-back without spending a transfer fee, as the club continues to strengthen Luciano Spalletti’s squad while carefully managing its finances ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
