Typically, when we discuss full-backs in these spaces—especially when it comes to contracts and transfers—our usual introduction focuses on the club’s historical struggles at the position. Since you’ve probably been following us for a while (and if not, hello and welcome!), we’ll skip the trip down memory lane. Instead of analyzing the club’s past failures at the position, we’ll focus on a player who has exemplified professionalism and patience ever since signing with the club in 2022.
Once regarded as a future star in Europe, Zeki Celik arrived from Lille on a €7.4 million transfer—a far cry from his €20 million valuation after his first season in France in 2019. Despite the decrease in his market value, Celik was a consistent contributor for Lille, scoring six goals and providing 12 assists in 118 Ligue 1 appearances over four seasons, making him quite a bargain for Roma.
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Despite establishing himself as a regular and productive member of Lille’s first team, his success in France didn’t immediately translate to Serie A. With around 2,100 league minutes during his first two seasons with the Giallorossi, Celik found himself on the outside looking in, sitting behind players like Leonardo Spinazzola and Nicola Zalewski in the full-back ranks.
However, in an ironic twist, Celik’s moment in the spotlight came during the club’s darkest period. After watching Daniele De Rossi and Ivan Juric come and go from the Roma bench, Celik thrived under Claudio Ranieri, becoming a key figure in the Tinkerman’s back three last spring—a role he reprised this season under Gian Piero Gasperini.
With his career back on the upswing, Roma finds itself in a bit of a jam: Celik’s contract ends this June, and according to sources in Italy, he’s attracting interest from Juventus, AC Milan, and Galatasaray. According to a report from Il Messaggero, Roma is prioritizing a new deal for the 28-year-old Turkish defender. While no agreement has been reached yet, Celik is reportedly aiming for €3 million per season (net)—about a one million-euro increase over his current wages.
He may not be the marauding attacking full-back fans dream of, but Celik’s versatility, availability, and consistency have been nearly invaluable for Roma over the past 18 months.
