Inter star Hakan Calhanoglu was the subject of a significant late approach from Galatasaray as Okan Buruk reveals a last-minute attempt to sign him.

• Galatasaray failed in late bid to sign Calhanoglu
• Inter demanded €40-45m despite player accepting pay cut
• Midfielder stays at San Siro and remains key for Chivu’s team

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Galatasaray coach Buruk has confirmed the club made a final attempt to sign Calhanoglu last week, only for Inter to reject the approach, according to a report from . The Turkish giants were told they would have to pay up to €45 million (£39/$54m) to land the midfielder, a figure they could not meet. Buruk revealed that Calhanoglu, a boyhood Galatasaray fan, was willing to accept a salary reduction to facilitate the transfer.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The failed bid brings an end to a summer of uncertainty surrounding the Turkish international's future at San Siro. Calhanoglu was persistently linked with a move, with both Galatasaray and rivals Fenerbahce showing interest, but a lack of formal offers had previously frustrated the Inter hierarchy. The speculation followed a difficult period for the 31-year-old, which included a public disagreement with club captain Lautaro Martinez and an injury relapse during the Club World Cup. Despite the tensions, the midfielder recently declared his desire to remain with the Serie A club.

• WHAT OKAN BURUK SAID

  Buruk spoke about the negotiations to land the playmaker, saying: "Calhanoglu? We tried last week too, but Inter…"

  "He would have sacrificed his salary for us, but if they had sold him to us, we would have had to spend 40-45 million. A difficult deal.

  "We really wanted him. He's a huge Galatasaray fan. We made another attempt last week, but Inter didn't want to sell him. They said they'd only do it if we offered a higher price than normal. We made an attempt. He and Gundogan would have sacrificed their salaries, but if Inter had sold him, we would have had to spend €40-€45 million. His move was very difficult for us. Hakan also made sacrifices, but the deal didn't go through because Inter didn't want to sell him."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CALHANOGLU & INTER?

  With the transfer window now closed, Calhanoglu will remain an Inter player and focus on the Serie A season. The midfielder is expected to be a key figure for the Nerazzurri as they look to challenge for the title. Inter's next match is a crucial fixture away to rivals Juventus on Saturday, 13 September.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News