Despite heavy speculation linking him with a move to Turkey, Hakan Çalhanoğlu will remain at Inter Milan for at least another season. The midfielder’s father, Hüseyin Çalhanoğlu, has put an end to the transfer rumors, confirming his son’s commitment to the Italian club.
Both Fenerbahce and Galatasaray were reportedly interested in signing the 31-year-old during the summer transfer window. However, Inter’s reported asking price of €30 million proved to be a significant hurdle for both Turkish clubs.
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk recently spoke about the club’s failed pursuit of Çalhanoğlu.
“I didn’t have direct contact, but our directors did,” he said. “Inter made it clear they didn’t want to let him go and shut the door on a transfer.”
Buruk suggested that Inter’s decision was strategic, as it would have cost them a considerable amount to find a suitable replacement.
“Had they sold Hakan, Inter would’ve had to spend at least €40–45 million to replace him,” he noted.
Hüseyin Çalhanoğlu confirmed this sentiment, stating that a transfer is “out of the question” at this time.
“Hakan is happy with his club at the moment and will continue at Inter,” he told Turkish outlet Hurriyet. “He already has a contract for another two years.”
The midfielder is reportedly a crucial part of the plans for new Inter manager Cristian Chivu, and with the Turkish transfer window nearing its close, it appears Çalhanoğlu will continue his career at San Siro for the foreseeable future.
