During last summer, there was a lot of movement around the Turkish player, and in January they will try again.
The future of Hakan Calhanoglu is once again one of the most talked about topics in Turkey and Italy. The Ottoman midfielder, who is a key figure at Inter Milan, is determined to make a change in his career and return to Istanbul, where Galatasaray continue to dream of seeing him in their shirt again.
Read: Will spend £40 million on compensation for Mbeumo and Wissa.
After a summer full of failed negotiations, the Turkish regime has not given up on its goal and is already preparing for the final offensive next January. During the last summer window, Galatasaray pushed hard up to the registration deadline for European competition. Nevertheless, Inter’s firm stance, where they regard Calhanoglu as a cornerstone of the midfield, led to any departure chance being blocked. The Italians rejected all financial offers, leaving the player with no choice but to continue in Serie A.
Calhanoglu is putting pressure on Inter Milan while Galatasaray are waiting for him.
Nevertheless, optimism reigns in Turkey. As reported by ‘Sabah’, the Turkish club’s plan to come back strong in the winter window, convinced that the player’s desire this time will play a decisive role. Calhanoglu has not only made his intention to return home clear, but will also be willing to lower his salary demands to pave the way.
He currently earns around 6,5 million euros per season, but he understands that in order to make the operation feasible, he will have to forego part of his income. Moreover, his contract with Inter expires in June 2026, although the player is not considering a renewal. On the contrary, he seeks a deal that allows him to leave for a price around 10 million euros, an amount Galatasaray finds manageable.
From the player’s side, the strategy seems clear: to insist that the Nerazzurri board lower its financial requirements to facilitate a transfer that will benefit all parties. For Inter, it would mean a significant sale of a player already over thirty; for Galatasaray, it will mean adding talent, experience and leadership in midfield; and for Calhanoglu, it will fulfill the personal desire to play in his home country again.
The Turkish international has gained international recognition for his understanding of the game, ability to control the pace of the game and powerful free kicks. In Inter’s shirt, he has lifted trophies and established himself as a reference in European football, but the desire to return to Istanbul seems stronger than any challenge in Italy.
January is shaping up to be the decisive month. Galatasaray fans dream of seeing their national star shine again in Turkish football, while in Milan there is a debate raging about whether it is the right time to part ways with a key player. With the will of the player and the sustained interest of the Turkish club, Calhanoglu’s return to Istanbul no longer seems like just a dream, but as a very real possibility.
READ: Arsenal player on Viktor Gÿokeres: “He’s a Monster!”
