Roma Dealt Zeki Celik Contract Blow As Liverpool Join Race For Turkish Star

Zeki Celik could be on his way out of Roma with Liverpool showing interest in the Turkey international. 

Celik’s contract runs down in June and the full-back is yet to agree on new terms with the Giallorossi. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is beginning to plan for the 2026-27 campaign without the 28-year-old.

A new three-year deal is what Celik desires but is understood to be considering his options. The former Lille star wants to double his salary but the Romans are unlikely to match his demands.

🟡🔴 La #Roma deve fare la sua offerta di rinnovo a Zeki Celik: il turco 🇹🇷 ha dato la priorità al rinnovo e al club giallorosso, ma ha già più di un sondaggio. Tra questi anche il #Liverpool pic.twitter.com/qKddE2r0TP

— Marco Conterio (@marcoconterio) February 3, 2026

Zeki Celik Emerges As Liverpool Transfer Target

In the summer transfer window, Everton targeted Zeki Celik but a move never came to fruition. Now, their city rivals Liverpool have thrown their name into the mix.

Although the Reds have agreed on a deal for Jeremy Jacquet to join in July, the Merseysiders are prioritizing more defenders for the new season.

Giovanni Leoni’s ACL injury is healing well but it’s highly unlikely he’ll feature until later on in the year. And with Conor Bradley also crocked and Joe Gomez likely to leave, Arne Slot is keeping a close eye on Celik.

Predominantly a right-back, Celik can also operate in the center of defense. Such versatility is what Slot is looking for and the fact the Turk can move on a free transfer makes great financial sense.

Celik has earned plenty of plaudits during his time at the Stadio Olimpico. Naturally, supporters won’t want him to leave but the lure of playing at Anfield in the English Premier League is hard to ignore.

Could Juventus Beat Liverpool To Zeki Celik?

Liverpool will face competition for Zeki Celik’s signature in the coming months. Their main threat comes in the form of Serie A giants Juventus.

Corriere dello Sport claims Juve are interested in Celik and are very much in the race for the Roma full-back. However, Marco Palestra and Brooke Norton-Cuffy are also on the Old Lady’s shortlist.

They are perhaps being prioritized more by head coach Luciano Spalletti. Especially as Palestra and Norton-Cuffy are much younger than Celik but their transfer fees will be fairly substantial.

Nonetheless, Celik boasts a lot more experience across Italy’s elite as well as European competition. A move to the Allianz is certainly an attractive option but much will hinge on where Celik wants to play next season.

There is no reason why the Bianconeri can’t beat Liverpool to the signing of Celik but it will prove tricky. Especially if the Italians fail to finish in the top four and Arne Slot’s side do, meaning the Turkey international can play in the UCL.