Leeds tipped to submit £26.5m bid for Inter Milan star amid contract uncertainty, with Newcastle also in pursuit
Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing Inter Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu and could send the Italian outfit a £26.5million offer for him, although Newcastle United are also on his trail.
Calhanoglu spent time at Hamburger SV and Bayer Leverkusen before moving to AC Milan in July 2017. He went on to play 172 times for the Rossoneri, registering 32 goals and 48 assists. The central midfielder then caused major shock by joining Milan’s rivals Inter on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract.
The move reached completion in summer 2021, with Calhanoglu penning a three-year contract with Inter. He enjoyed a successful debut campaign with Inter, notching eight goals and 13 assists to help them win both the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana. They managed second in Serie A, with Milan finishing two points above them to win the Scudetto.
Calhanoglu continues to have a big influence on the Nerazzurri, having made 32 appearances this campaign and chipped in with three goals and six assists.
However, Inter could lose the Turkey international in the near future. His contract expires in June 2024 and talks over an extension have yet to reach an advanced stage.
Calhanoglu’s agent recently revealed that the player is relaxed about his situation. He is happy at Inter, although there is also the possibility of him considering offers from elsewhere.
English clubs Leeds and Newcastle could cause Inter problems in their contract discussions. As per Italian source Inter Live, Calhanoglu is set to be the subject of an ‘assault’ from the Premier League this summer.
Leeds have landed on him as a potential signing to provide more creativity in their midfield. And there is even the suggestion Leeds will make a bid worth €25-30m (£22.1-26.5m).
Leeds could achieve signing at reduced price
This is below Calhanoglu’s actual transfer value. transfermarkt put this at €35m (£31m). However, Inter will not be able to charge this much for the playmaker due to his contract running down.
Leeds are not the only side in for Calhanoglu, though. The report reveals Newcastle’s interest in him. And their huge financial power means they could easily match Leeds’ offer.
There are two big factors which will determine where Calhanoglu ends up, should Inter decide to sell him. The first is how much money is offered to them.
If Newcastle blow Leeds away with a massive proposal, then the 29-year-old will be more likely to go to St James’ Park.
If Inter accept bids from both Leeds and Newcastle, then Calhanoglu will have to decide which club he prefers to join. And this will depend on how each team finishes the Prem campaign.
Newcastle have a good chance at qualifying for the Europa League. Leeds, in contrast, are towards the bottom of the table and at risk of relegation. So if Newcastle manage a top-six finish, Calhanoglu will surely prioritise a move to them over Leeds.
