​Zeki Celik is now officially a Juventus player, with the Bianconeri finalising a free-transfer signing that ties the Turkey international to a contract running until 30 June 2029. In the club’s announcement, Juventus stated: “Zeki Celik is a new Juventus player. The Turkish wing-back has signed a contract that will keep him at the Bianconeri until 30 June 2029.” The release emphasised that the 1997-born defender brings substantial experience to Turin, having won a Ligue 1 title and French Super Cup during four seasons with Lille after rising to prominence in his homeland.
A separate regulatory filing revealed that Juventus will incur ancillary costs of €1 million as part of Celik’s registration, describing the signing as a no-transfer-fee arrival for a player who joins the club free of charge. The move stands out as one of the window’s more surprising twists.
Celik spent four years with Roma, where he had agreed terms on a contract extension earlier in the month. However, his existing deal had expired on 30 June, making him a free agent, and Juventus acted swiftly this week to hijack the deal. Sporting director Frederic Massara led a rapid, discreet operation that culminated in Celik’s medical this Wednesday.
Zeki Celik is now officially a Juventus player, a development that adds a versatile and experienced option to the squad. The Turkish defender’s arrival reinforces Juventus’s plans for the season and underscores the club’s willingness to move quickly in the transfer market to secure players on free transfers who can contribute immediately. The announcement of Celik’s signing has generated considerable interest among supporters, who look forward to seeing how his background with Lille and his international experience will translate to his new role in Turin.
The club’s communications also highlighted Celik’s adaptability and readiness to compete at a high level, noting his success in Ligue 1 and his experience in European competition as valuable assets. As Celik integrates into the Juventus squad, fans and analysts will be watching to assess how his pace, crossing ability, and defensive versatility will complement Juventus’s tactical setup and broader midfield and defensive dynamics. The transfer reinforces Juventus’s strategy of leveraging free transfers to strengthen the squad while pursuing players who can contribute immediately and sustainably over the coming seasons.