Earlier this month, Sport Witness covered claims from Italy about Liverpool’s interest in AS Roma’s Zeki Celik. With the defender’s contract situation complicating, Fulham and Newcastle United have also emerged as suitors.
The Turkey international has been one of the Giallorossi’s best players this season. He has a goal and two assists in Serie A. Even in the Europa League, he has contributed to two goals, suiting Gian Piero Gasperini’s system quite well.
The wing-back’s contract expires in the summer and so far, Roma have struggled to tie him down to a long-term deal. This is giving an opportunity to many clubs.
Newcastle United and Fulham in fray
Today’s Corriere dello Sport report about the 29-year-old and describe him as an ‘international intrigue’.
The Turk’s entourage has put forward a demand of €4m per season. In the meantime, Roma have made it clear that this wage will be unsustainable and have responded with an offer of around €2.5m.
This will not be enough for the player, with Fulham and Newcastle United competing for his signature. Juventus are also interested, with Stuttgart also in the fray for the ex-Lille player.
Despite this uncertainty, Zeki Celik remains an important part of Gasperini’s side and his performances haven’t dropped.
Signing can be important for Fulham and Newcastle
The defender has faced a fair share of ups and downs in his Roma career. His first two seasons were fraught with criticism and inconsistency but that didn’t stop Zeki Celik from improving since last season.
He has also filled in at centre-back and on the left side of the backline in times of desperate need. This shows that the Turkey international can be a valuable signing for both Fulham and Newcastle United.
For someone who can arrive for free, Zeki Celik can offer a lot to the first-team. He also boasts European experience with both Roma and Lille and that will also come in handy for the Premier League clubs.