Roma have completed the signing of Turkish right-back Zeki Celik from Lille.
Arriving for a reported fee of €7m, Celik will provide competition for Rick Karsdorp, who was used heavily in the 2021-22 season.
Celik has signed a contract until 2026 and will wear the number 19 shirt for Roma.
He told the club’s official website: “It’s an honour for me to play for such a big club; I have big ambitions and I want to help this team be successful.
“I feel focused and ready. I will never let up and you will always see me fighting for everything out there on the pitch.”
Celik will reportedly join up with his teammates for a pre-season training camp in Portugal, rather than commencing work at Trigoria like some are on the day of his signing.
Zeki Celik – The story so far
The 25-year-old had been with Lille since 2018, in what was his first venture outside Turkey. Now, the 2021 Ligue 1 winner is ready for a new challenge in Serie A.
Celik has 32 caps for his country, while he made 143 appearances during his time with Lille, scoring eight goals and assisting 14.
Viewed as a more defensive alternative to Karsdorp, Celik will be hoping to enjoy a better fate than several other supporting right-backs Roma have recently had.
He will also hope to make a longer-lasting impression than some of his fellow Turks to play for the club, Salih Ucan, Cengiz Under and Mert Cetin.
Roma have faith his experience as a one-time league winner in France could be beneficial in the next phase of their project with Jose Mourinho.
Welcome, Zeki.
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