Liverpool passed up on the chance to sign a new right-back during the January transfer window, but may have to revisit that this summer.
On paper, Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong are two good options for the Reds, but injuries to both have left Arne Slot desperately short this season.
With Bradley’s injuries continuing to be a problem and Frimpong potentially more suited to a right-wing role, it may be wise for Liverpool to bring in another option at the end of the season.
Got a horrible feeling Slot is going to keep Gakpo in the XI and drop Salah 😬 Who should be the front four vs Forest?
Liverpool predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest
Liverpool predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest
Keeping that in mind, there have been suggestions that the Reds could look to sign Zeki Celik, who is out of contract at Roma this summer.
The 29-year-old’s future has been the subject of much debate in Italy, with his agent seemingly confirming that he is to leave Roma at the end of the campaign.
Celik looks likely to leave Roma
Aside from claims that he could be on the way to Liverpool, there have been rumours that Celik has already agreed to join Roma’s Serie A rivals Juventus in 2026.
With fans of the capital club unhappy at such suggestions, Fazil Ozedemir has released a statement, covered by Calciomercato, to deny such claims. However, deliberately ambiguous in its language, the statement feels classically non-committal, hinting that Celik will indeed move on.
Zeki Celik in action during the Serie A match between AS Roma and AC Milan
Photo by Gennaro Masi/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
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“Rumours that Zeki has reached an agreement with a club are inaccurate,” Ozdemir says. “He currently plays for a major club, and it’s natural for major teams in Italy and England to show interest in a player competing at this level and for his name to be associated with those clubs.
“His contract with Roma expires at the end of the season; however, he has great respect for the club. At this stage, he is not focusing on contractual or transfer issues. His full attention and commitment are focused on supporting Roma in achieving its objectives. We believe all other matters will be addressed and resolved in due course, in a professional and respectful manner.”
Any Roma fans willing Celik to stay will be reading his agent’s statement and knowing that the writing is on the wall. This could be one to keep an eye on for Liverpool.
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Celik would make sense for Liverpool
Some supporters may see little sense in signing another right-back once Bradley and Frimpong are back fit this summer.
However, we have seen this season just what a problem Bradley’s injuries are becoming, and with question marks over Frimpong’s long-term suitability in defence, it does seem pertinent for Liverpool to explore their options.
It should not be an expensive addition, however, and as he is set to be available on a free transfer, Celik would tick that box.
As an experienced international standard player with Champions League and league title-winning pedigree, the Turk also ticks several more.
Juventus could be a problem, perhaps, and there will be other clubs at the table who can likely offer Celik more of a starting role, but on the back of his agent’s admission, Liverpool should at least be exploring the potential of a deal.
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