Tiago Pinto on Zeki Celik deal: “It wasn’t an easy negotiation.” | OneFootball

Roma transfer chief Tiago Pinto revealed the negotiations surrounding the team’s latest acquisition, right back Zeki Çelik, were complex.

Speaking during the Turkish international’s unveiling this afternoon, Pinto detailed what ultimately got the deal for the ex-Lille man over the finish line.

“We are happy to have brought Çelik to Roma,” he began.

“He’s a young yet experienced football both from a club and international perspective—he won important things with Lille.”

He continued, “Though, this wasn’t an easy negotiation, but Çelik’s will and eagerness to come here was extremely important. I’m happy we’ve acquired such an incredibly motivated player.”

Çelik spent the past four years with the Ligue 1 side before finalising his move to the Italian capital. He penned a four-year contract with the club that will expire in June 2026.