Roma Launch €5m Bid for Mexico’s Israel Reyes After Celik Shocker

FolioPitch.com – 26 July 2026 | In a dramatic turn of events, Roma have reportedly submitted a formal €5 million offer to Club America for versatile defender Israel Reyes, following the unexpected departure of Zeki Celik to Juventus. The move comes as the Giallorossi scramble to fill the void left by the Turkish full-back, who reneged on a contract renewal to join their Serie A rivals on a free transfer. According to reports, Roma want Reyes with first 5m offer for Mexico defender, hoping to secure the 26-year-old’s services amid competition from other European clubs.

The offer, which falls short of the €6-7 million asking price set by Club America, represents Roma’s initial attempt to sign the Mexico international. Reyes, who featured four times for his country at the 2026 World Cup, is under contract until December 2028. His versatility to play as a right-back, central defender, or defensive midfielder makes him an ideal replacement for Celik. The club’s urgency underscores the need to reinforce the right flank before the transfer window closes. As the report Roma want Reyes with first 5m offer for Mexico defender circulates, fans await whether the Mexican side will negotiate or demand the full valuation.

Roma’s offseason has been turbulent. The club had assumed Celik would sign a new deal after his previous contract expired, but the Turkish international stunned management by accepting terms with Juventus. This forced the Serie A side into a reactive transfer strategy. Roma have already been linked with other right-back options, including Sporting CP’s Ivan Fresneda and Hellas Verona’s Rafik Belghali. However, Fresneda, who cost Sporting €9 million in 2023 and has drawn interest from Real Madrid, is a more expensive proposition. Belghali, meanwhile, appears close to joining Olympique Marseille.

Reyes, with 38 senior caps for Mexico, offers a favorable blend of experience and affordability. The report Roma want Reyes with first 5m offer for Mexico defender highlights the club’s attempt to secure a proven international without breaking the bank. Club America, aware of his growing market value, may hold out for a higher fee, but Roma hope to leverage the player’s desire for a European move. The Giallorossi have a history of successful Mexican imports—most notably the legendary Totti-era deal for… Actually, Roma have had few Mexican players, but Reyes could become a key figure under manager Daniele De Rossi.

The transfer saga is likely to escalate in the coming days. Roma’s sporting director Tiago Pinto is reportedly in contact with Club America representatives. Meanwhile, Reyes has expressed interest in playing in Serie A, which could facilitate negotiations. If the €5m bid is rejected, Roma may tabling an improved offer close to the asking price. The report Roma want Reyes with first 5m offer for Mexico defender creates a clear narrative of a club in need, willing to invest but cautious not to overpay. With the transfer deadline approaching, Roma will need to act decisively.

In conclusion, Roma’s pursuit of Israel Reyes reflects a pragmatic approach to replacing Zeki Celik. The €5 million offer demonstrates the club’s desire to strengthen the squad without overspending, though it remains to be seen if Club America will accept. With several other options on the table, including Fresneda and Belghali, Roma have contingency plans. However, the versatility and World Cup experience of Reyes make him a particularly attractive target. The coming days will reveal whether the Giallorossi can clinch the deal and move on from the Celik saga.