Celik rejects Fiorentina and Fenerbahce to renew Roma contract
Quick summary
Roma right-back Mehmet Zeki Celik has turned down interest from Fiorentina and Fenerbahce to commit his future to Roma with a contract renewal.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceFiorentina and Fenerbahce made a late attempt to sign free agent Zeki Celik, but the Turkiye international has reportedly already agreed to sign a new contract with Roma.
The 29-year-old is currently free to do as he wishes, because his contract with the Giallorossi expired on June 30.
This has made him an appetising prospect on the transfer market, with Fenerbahce making a proposal, while Fiorentina have also seemingly approached the versatile defender.
Celik eager to remain at Roma BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Zeki Celik of AS Roma is challenged by Remo Freuler of Bologna during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) However, the Corriere dello Sport reporter Eleonora Trotta insists that it is all in vain, because Celik has already agreed to sign a new contract at Roma.
Much like his teammate Paulo Dybala, who put pen to paper earlier today, the deal is to take a pay cut in order to fit within the new financial parameters at the Stadio Olimpico.
Celik is expected to earn circa €3m per season at Roma, who have just sealed their return to the Champions League.
He first joined Roma in the summer of 2022 from Lille at a cost of €7.4m plus a 15 per cent cut of the sell-on fee, going on to make 151 competitive appearances for the club with two goals and 10 assists.
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What happened
Mehmet Zeki Celik has chosen to extend his stay at Roma despite attracting interest from Serie A rivals Fiorentina and Turkish Süper Lig club Fenerbahce. The Turkish international right-back had entered the final phase of his previous deal, prompting approaches from both clubs, but has opted to renew with the Giallorossi. The renewal secures Roma's depth at right-back and removes a potential summer transfer saga. Fiorentina and Fenerbahce will need to look elsewhere for reinforcement in that position.
Chance analysis
Retaining Celik on a renewal is a quietly significant outcome for Roma, who avoid losing a reliable squad player for free or at a discounted rate. With Celik reportedly preferred to stay, Roma's negotiating position is strengthened. For Fiorentina and Fenerbahce, the rejection forces a pivot in their right-back recruitment plans ahead of the next window.
Roma retain a key right-back option; Fiorentina and Fenerbahce must pursue alternative targets at right-back.
Celik is confirmed as a Roma player for the foreseeable future, so treat Roma's defensive depth as intact when modeling upcoming matches.