Stankovic towards the role of Calhanoglu's deputy, Inter's strategy

Inter looks to the future of the playmaker role with Aleksandar Stankovic. The young Serbian midfielder, bought back from Bruges for 23 million euros, will be observed as a possible backup for Calhanoglu. The boy possesses physical structure, personality, and tactical characteristics suited to the playmaker role. Being very young, he will have time to gradually adapt to Chivu‘s requirements, learning alongside the Turkish midfielder.

Hakan Calhanoglu has returned to Appiano Gentile after the World Cup with Turkey, showing up with a new look and the smile of someone eager to start again. The playmaker remains fully at the center of the Nerazzurri project, despite a contract expiring in June 2027 and the rumors circulating in recent weeks.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport writes today in print, the club has not received concrete offers and does not consider a departure a priority. Cristian Chivu has been clear about the player’s value: “You can’t find another Calha out there, so selling him is absolutely inadvisable.” A departure could only be considered in the face of a very important offer. Otherwise, the club could discuss an extension to avoid getting too close to the contract’s expiration.

There is still an abundance in midfield. Including Diouf, the coach has ten players for just three spots. Asllani and Akinsanmiro have returned from loans, while the future of Davide Frattesi remains to be clarified. The former Sassuolo player is asking for more playing time, but at the moment there are no concrete offers.

The club will evaluate possible departures before bringing in another midfielder, with Curtis Jones among the profiles appreciated by the coach. First, it will be necessary to lighten a squad full of alternatives and find a solution for the surplus players.