Six-time UEFA Champions League winners Liverpool have made an offer to Roma Fullback Zeki Celik, with the Turkish International now free to negotiate a pre-agreement ahead of a possible free transfer this summer, according to Tuttomercatoweb.
The 27-year-old is understood to have received several proposals from different clubs, but Liverpool are the side pushing hardest to secure his signature.
Celik’s contract at Roma expires in June, and while he is open to listening to offers, his priority remains to stay with the Serie A club.
However, Roma are yet to open formal contract talks with the defender. With no extension currently on the table, there is growing uncertainty around his future, and a willingness to consider other options if negotiations do not begin soon.
From Liverpool’s point of view, the interest stems from a place of necessity. Conor Bradley is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a serious knee injury, and there are concerns that the Northern Ireland International could miss most of the calendar year. That has left the Reds short at right-back, making the addition of Celik such an attractive option.
Celik is viewed as an experienced and dependable defender who could provide immediate cover without any major financial strain. Liverpool have also explored alternatives in Serie A, with a loan move for Denzel Dumfries of Inter Milan almost coming to fruition, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Dumfries has a release clause worth around £25m that becomes active in the summer, giving Liverpool another possible route if Celik decides to remain in Rome.
As it stands, the situation hinges on Roma’s next move and Celik’s decision. With Liverpool already making their intentions clear, the coming weeks will determine whether this becomes a free-transfer opportunity or another name on their list of contingencies.
