This summer sees Manchester United searching the market for an affordable midfield upgrade after Christian Eriksen’s exit.
The opening month of the summer transfer window for Manchester United saw heavy focus on bolstering the attack.
Matheus Cunha has arrived, while Bryan Mbeumo is expected to soon follow the Brazilian into the club, however Ineos are far from done.
United are planning four more signings after Mbeumo, with a new central midfielder among those positions. This is due to Christian Eriksen being released by United and also a lack of quality options in the ranks.
Ruben Amorim’s ideal midfielder is more technically proficient than Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are, meaning an addition this summer is likely with one interesting name being linked.
Hakan Calhanoglu walks by the Champions League trophy.
Photo by Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu via Getty Images
Manchester United enquire about signing Hakan Calhanoglu
United’s pursuit of a midfielder has developed in recent weeks, with numerous new names being linked in the position.
However, none are as experienced or pure class as Inter Milan and Turkey star Hakan Calhanoglu.
The midfielder is available this summer after Inter lost Simone Inzaghi, with Italian journalist Orazio Accomando tweeting to share the latest on his situation.
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He explains that Calhanoglu wants to join Galatasaray, however the Super Lig side are currently offering £12.8m, while Internazionale are looking for closer to £34.8m, which seems a huge bridge to cross.
Due to stalls in this possible deal, United and Fulham have both enquired to sign Calhanoglu this summer. Galatasaray are aware that if a bidding war begins they won’t be able to compete.
Signing Calhanoglu would certainly be an interesting move by Ineos, not fitting the youth demand they have, however on a two year contract at less than £25m it could be worth it.
£34m seems like a valuation that Inter may have wanted from Saudi Arabia, however they will surely alter considering no team is paying their demands.
Calhanoglu would be magic for Ruben Amorim’s midfield
While his age is an obvious downside to any deal considering it resembles a Glazers signing, there is no doubting that Calhanoglu has plenty of potential.
The Turkey international is a special footballer and placed in one of the two midfield positions he would shine for Amorim.
The official Inter website has even labelled Calhanoglu as being magic after he scored a brilliant goal directly from a corner.
Almost a decade ago, when he was 22, Calhanoglu admitted he’d struggle to turn down United, in an interview with LigTV.
“If there were offers like everyone I would be happy. It would be very hard to decline an offer. My job is open to anything… Barcelona and Manchester United are both big clubs.”
Calhanoglu would be the perfect fit to replace Eriksen, however we assume that he will have loftier expectations than sitting on the bench.