Calhanoglu, no renewal before the end of the season: waiting for Stankovic

The contractual situation of Hakan Calhanoglu remains on standby. The Inter midfielder, whose contract expires in a year, will not receive an immediate extension. The decision was made by mutual agreement between the player and the club before the start of the World Cup, which ended without particular satisfaction for Turkey.

According to Il Giorno, the player and management have agreed: let’s do one more season together and then decide. The number 20 in black and blue would like financial recognition equal to the current six million net per season, with a solid multi-year contract. However, next February 8, Calhanoglu will turn 33, an age that suggests to president Marotta and the ownership a certain caution, especially considering the player’s recent injuries.

Fenerbahce and Galatasaray remain in the background. As every summer, the Turkish clubs are linked to the midfielder, even though there have been no concrete offers so far. New rumors, not yet confirmed in Italy, suggest that Fenerbahce is ready to make another attempt, in a media battle with Galatasaray that plays out with big names, often not so close but useful to boost season ticket sales or to energize the environment.

Meanwhile, a possible heir is emerging. Aleksandar Stankovic delivered a high-level performance against Manchester City in the friendly in Australia. These are summer tests, nothing definitive to consider the son of art already at the level of his counterpart. Milan and Juventus, the next two tests, may reveal more, while waiting for the three-point matches to start on August 22.

By then, Calhanoglu, barring unforeseen events and market twists, should have put a bit more fuel in the tank. It remains to be seen if it will be enough to immediately secure a starting spot, considering on one hand the importance he holds for Inter’s fortunes, and on the other the fact that both Stankovic (with that number 5 on his back inherited from his father Dejan) and Zielinski, the man who repeatedly filled in for the Turk last season during his absence, have been working day after day since the training camp began.