The full details of Zeki Celik’s surprising transfer to Juventus have come to light, revealing a painful situation for Roma. The club had already arranged for the defender’s flights and scheduled a medical examination for Friday before Juventus intervened.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport and Tuttosport, as relayed by SportMediaset, Roma’s renewal talks had gained momentum after an early freeze. Celik had initially sought around €3.8 million a year, taking advantage of Italy’s expiring tax incentives, and had gradually negotiated a package worth €3-3.1 million plus bonuses.

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An agreement was virtually finalized: documents detailing the proposal, sealed by new sporting director Tony D’Amico, were sent and awaited only the entourage’s countersignature. So confident was Roma about the outcome that flights to Fiumicino were booked and a medical was scheduled for July 17.

Zeki Celik joins Juventus (Source: Juventus)

Massara’s Inside Knowledge and Gasperini’s Discontent Over Celik’s Decision

Instead, Juventus executed the blitz, driven by a familiar figure.

Frederic Massara, now the technical director at Juventus, had initiated the renewal discussions with Celik while he was the Roma sporting director. He had paused negotiations over wage demands he feared could disturb the Trigoria dressing room.

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In Turin, Massara’s intimate knowledge of the player’s circumstances enabled a deal to be secured discreetly and announced promptly on Thursday night.

Gian Piero Gasperini is reportedly furious about the turn of events.

The Roma coach has personally urged the Friedkin ownership to expedite the Celik situation and regarded the defender as a key player for the club’s return to the Champions League. Fans have expressed their disapproval, labeling the player a “traitor” on social media, despite Celik’s lengthy farewell letter.