Alright, hold up, because the European soccer scene just got absolutely wild. Roma is reportedly fuming and ready to make Juventus pay, kicking off a full-blown transfer revenge plot by opening talks with free agent Franck Kessié. This isn’t just some whisper in the wind; *La Gazzetta dello Sport* is reporting that the Giallorossi are absolutely fed up after Juventus, with a helping hand from Frederic Massara, pulled a fast one on them. The tension is palpable, and this story is just getting started.
The Celik Betrayal That Started It All
Remember Zeki Celik? Roma was counting on him, big time, like a foundational piece. The Giallorossi fully expected the Turkish defender to land in the capital and sign a much-anticipated contract extension. Everything was lined up, the ink practically drying on the paper, or so they thought. But nope, that’s not how it went down at all. Celik, whose contract with Roma had actually expired on June 30, decided to take a hard left turn instead. He reportedly hopped a flight straight to Turin, ditching Roma to sign with Juventus. Since his contract was up, Juventus was free and clear to talk terms with the 29-year-old, snatching him right out from under Roma’s nose without a fight.
What truly twisted the knife for Roma, adding insult to injury, was the insidious involvement of Frederic Massara. Get this: Massara was *their own* sporting director just last season, in 2025-26! He was the very guy who painstakingly negotiated Celik’s extension at the Stadio Olimpico. Then, he unceremoniously bolted from Roma due to disagreements with Gian Piero Gasperini, only for Juventus to turn around and snag Celik in the aftermath. That kind of calculated move deepens the frustration in a way no loyal fan, or club, can ever truly ignore. This feels personal, and it’s absolutely fueling Roma’s next steps.
Kessié: The Revenge Weapon Comes With a Price Tag
So, what’s Roma’s epic countermove? *Gazzetta* says they are actively preparing for some serious transfer revenge, and their prime target is none other than the formidable ex-Atalanta and Milan star Franck Kessié. This Ivory Coast international is currently without a club, having resolutely refused to extend his deal with Al-Ahli, and he’s reportedly wide open to making a triumphant comeback to Serie A. This isn’t just a wild shot in the dark, either; it’s a direct challenge. Juventus has already opened talks with Kessié’s agents, trying to get ahead of the curve.
But those agents aren’t playing around; they know Kessié’s worth. They’re demanding a salary of at least €5 million, *plus* a substantial signing bonus, to get their client on board. Kessié, a known talent who has even worked with Gasperini before, is also seen as a top-tier potential replacement for Manu Koné, who, by the way, has Manchester United and Liverpool aggressively chasing his signature. Roma isn’t stopping there either; they’re reportedly also interested in Juventus’s own Francisco Conceiçao, although it’s unlikely they’ll throw down more than €40 million for him. This whole transfer saga just got incredibly spicy, and it’s clear Roma isn’t backing down from the challenge. Can they truly steal Kessié from under Juventus’s nose, especially with that hefty €5M demand on the table? We’re all watching with bated breath to see if this revenge plot ultimately pays off.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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