According to a report by Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Fulham and Newcastle United are interested in Zeki Celik. The AS Roma full-back has also been a target for Liverpool in recent weeks. Meanwhile, disagreements over wage demands have left the 29-year-old wide player’s future uncertain, and a Bosman move away from the Serie A club may be on the cards.
Zeki Celik has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining AS Roma from LOSC Lille in July 2022. Born in Bursa, the Turkish international spent his formative years in his homeland and graduated from the youth division at Bursaspor. However, he rose in prominence during his spell with LOSC Lille before joining the Serie A club three and a half years ago.
The 29-year-old has been in and out of the starting lineup throughout his spell with the Giallorossi, but he has risen in stature in the last 12 months. Celik has nearly 150 appearances for AS Roma thus far, while chipping in with two goals and ten assists. However, the Turk’s long-term future is uncertain after entering the final six months of his contract with the Serie A club. The situation has alerted several clubs, including Fulham, Liverpool, and Newcastle United.
Newcastle United may dip into the market for a right-back in the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding Valentino Livramento’s long-term future. Additionally, Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth are on the wrong side of 30 and may depart from St. James’ Park this summer. Several candidates, including Ivan Fresneda, have thus emerged on Newcastle United’s wishlist, with Celik also a viable target.
Meanwhile, Zeki Celik has been on Fulham’s wishlist for a long time. The Cottagers are scouring the market for a right-back heading into the summer transfer window, as Marco Silva wants a solid option for the right flank. Celik is thus an option worth considering for Fulham.
As for Liverpool, while the Merseyside club signed Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, the Dutch wide player has struggled with fitness issues throughout his debut season at Anfield. Several candidates have thus emerged on Liverpool’s radar, with Celik also a viable target.
The latest report has revealed disagreements between Celik’s representatives and AS Roma over the terms of a new contract. While the 29-year-old Turk wants €4 million-a-year wages, the Serie A giants are not ready to pay an annual salary over €2.5 million. So, a Bosman move away from Stadio Olimpico may be on the cards amid his links with Fulham, Liverpool, and Newcastle United.
