The trip to Milan by the top management of Galatasaray did not produce any opening from Inter for Hakan Calhanoglu. The Nerazzurri have categorically ruled out the possibility of selling the midfielder in the January window, but the situation could take on different contours at the end of the season.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Nerazzurri club did not even receive the Turkish emissaries: at this stage of the season, it would be unthinkable to deprive themselves of such a crucial element for the midfield. Even with Chivu, as was already the case in Inzaghi’s time, the Turk maintains a strategic role, despite a different tactical approach characterized by greater aggressiveness. The Inter coach also believes there is ample room to further adapt the player to his more frenetic and intense style of football.
In June, the situation could change. At the end of this season, there will in fact be only one year left on the contract of the Turkey captain, which expires in 2027. At that point, the call of the Bosphorus could become more concrete, fitting into a patriotic project of returning home. The Nerazzurri club, however, would like to keep him: Calhanoglu has put down solid roots in Milan and has built a strong relationship with the fans.
Spring promises to be hot on the contract front. The midfielder’s entourage will talk with the directors to evaluate the possibility of extending the agreement by one year, perhaps with an option until 2029. Currently, the playmaker earns about 6.5 million per year, on par with Barella and second only to Lautaro, who with his recent renewal has reached nine million.
His goal production is a further element in favor of staying: with 7 goals in the league, the Turk is the team’s second top scorer, three behind the Argentine captain. This performance strengthens Inter‘s desire not to lose him, with mutual confidence in the successful outcome of the negotiations. Otherwise, the conditions would be created for a summer transfer, probably to Turkey: continuing for a final season with an expiring contract is not considered a welcome option by either party.
