Juventus appears to have pulled off one of the more audacious moves of the summer transfer window before it even officially opens. The Italian giants have reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Zeki Celik’s representatives, effectively swiping the Turkish right-back from under AS Roma’s nose on a free transfer.

Celik’s contract with Roma expires this summer, and despite the club’s repeated efforts to lock him down to a new deal, the defender has opted to walk.

The deal that Roma couldn’t close

Roma reportedly put forward multiple renewal proposals, including a three-year extension worth approximately €2.8 million per season.

Celik turned them all down.

Reports from February 2026 indicated that Juventus had already reached an agreement on personal terms with Celik’s entourage. Here’s the thing, though. Celik’s agent publicly pushed back on those reports at the time, insisting that no deal had been struck with Juventus and that his client’s focus remained squarely on AS Roma.

Why Juventus wants Celik

Celik brings several years of top-flight Italian football experience, having plied his trade in Rome’s defensive line. He knows the league, he knows the opponents, and he costs exactly zero in transfer fees.

Juventus aren’t the only ones who noticed Celik’s availability. Manchester United and Inter have both been linked to the defender as they explore cost-effective solutions for their own defensive needs.

For Roma, losing a first-team player to a direct Serie A rival for nothing is about as painful as it gets. The Giallorossi offered real money to keep Celik. He chose to leave anyway, and he chose a club Roma will face twice a season.

Juventus, a publicly listed company on the Italian stock exchange, has particular incentive to demonstrate fiscal discipline while remaining competitive.

The transfer isn’t formally completed yet. But with personal terms reportedly agreed and Roma’s renewal efforts exhausted, Celik is heading to Turin, and Roma is heading to the market for a new right-back.