Liverpool’s Serie A Coup: Hakan Calhanoglu Tops Reds’ Wishlist for Midfield Brilliance
In 18 Inter games this season, the 29-year-old has contributed eight goals and two assists, playing a deep-lying playmaking role for Simone Inzaghi’s team.
The midfielder, who was formerly at Milan and Leverkusen, has shown promise throughout his Serie A career, but he has been especially good with the Nerazzurri in recent years.
“At the moment, Hakan is the best midfielder in Italy, perhaps the world,” said Vincenzo Montella, the new manager of Turkey, in light of his outstanding performances.
Calhanoglu, who can play as a holding player or as a more conventional No. 8, has drawn interest from teams throughout Europe. According to Tuttosport, Liverpool and Chelsea are especially interested in signing him.
But given that the Italian publication acknowledges their own existence, Calhanoglu’s move to Liverpool doesn’t seem feasible.
The midfielder will turn 30 in February, and given the expense to wrest him away from Inter, it seems doubtful that the Reds will add a player of his age to their revamped midfield.
At the moment, Wataru Endo and Thiago are the two senior statesmen in Liverpool’s midfield; none of Klopp’s other centre alternatives are older than 24.
In addition, Calhanoglu only recently agreed to a new contract with Inter in July, which will keep him with the league leaders until 2027.
It’s also true that Inter, who gave Calhanoglu a new deal last summer in part to stave off interest from Saudi Arabia, would not want to lose him under any circumstances.
Overall, even if the Inter player’s skill is undeniable, it doesn’t seem likely that he will be making waves at Anfield.
