Zeki Celik
Last week, Sport Witness reported interest from Fulham and Newcastle United in AS Roma’s Zeki Celik.
This came after uncertainty emerged about the defender’s future at the Italian giants. His current deal runs out in the summer but so far, the Giallorossi have struggled to get close to a renewal agreement.
Their wage offer has been much lower than Zeki Celik’s camp are demanding. The player is looking for €4m a year, a figure which will be after tax.
This was giving a chance to other clubs – including Juventus, to sign him on a free transfer. Now, Newcastle United and Fulham can have some certainty about the player’s future.
Zeki Celik likely to leave Roma
Today, Il Messaggero carry a detailed report on the 29-year-old and his future.
The Turkey international will be ‘packing his bags’ in the summer. His entourage’s demands of €4m per season has proved decisive in this case, with Roma now backing away from a new offer.
The report mentions interest from Premier League clubs – presumably Newcastle United and Fulham. Juventus are currently the frontrunners for his signature but the matter is far from settled. Zeki Celik’s next destination is yet to be ascertained, with his agent exploring the market.
Roma are already believed to be seeking replacements and this is a sign that the right-back could definitely be leaving.
Why player is pushing wages issue
At 29, Zeki Celik’s next club will be his last big pay cheque and he seems determined to make the most out of the chance.
There is no doubt about how he has risen in stature since Claudio Ranieri returned to Roma last year. He has carried on that form under Gian Piero Gasperini, starring at right wing-back this season.
He has also filled in at left wing-back. The former Lille player may not be a young prospect but offers reliability. Having previously only been a back-up, the Turkey international could also be happy with a limited squad role too.
That is why this could be an attractive opportunity for both Newcastle United and Fulham. He also boasts European experience, which is especially something the Magpies would like.