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Fenerbahce enters race for Hakan Calhanoglu as transfer saga heats up

Inter Milans Turkish midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu (C) celebrates scoring his teams second goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg football match between Inter Milan and FC Barcelona at the San Siro stadium in Milan, May 6, 2025. (AFP Photo)
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Inter Milans Turkish midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu (C) celebrates scoring his teams second goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg football match between Inter Milan and FC Barcelona at the San Siro stadium in Milan, May 6, 2025. (AFP Photo)
July 19, 2025 10:26 AM GMT+03:00

As rumors linking Hakan Calhanoglu with a return to Türkiye have intensified, a dramatic new claim emerged overnight: Fenerbahce is reportedly exploring the possibility of signing the Turkish international midfielder, despite fierce competition from rivals Galatasaray.

Calhanoglu, who has spent the past three seasons at Inter, is said to be unhappy in Milan. While Galatasaray had been considered the front-runner for his signature, Fenerbahce has now reportedly made contact with the player, adding a new layer of intrigue to the high-profile transfer saga.

Inter Milans Turkish midfielder #20 Hakan Calhanoglu reacts during the UEFA Champions League final football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Inter Milan in Munich, southern Germany, on May 31, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Inter Milans Turkish midfielder #20 Hakan Calhanoglu reacts during the UEFA Champions League final football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Inter Milan in Munich, southern Germany, on May 31, 2025. (AFP Photo)

President Ali Koc personally involved

According to TRT Spor, Fenerbahce President Ali Koc has initiated direct talks with Calhanoglu and is pushing hard to secure the transfer. The report adds that Koc also consulted with head coach Jose Mourinho regarding the player’s tactical role within the team. Mourinho is believed to have approved the move.

Former footballer Serhat Akin on Sports Digitale Youtube channel. (Screenshot taken from Sports Digitale)
Former footballer Serhat Akin on Sports Digitale Youtube channel. (Screenshot taken from Sports Digitale)

Former star fuels speculation

Former Fenerbahce forward Serhat Akin added fuel to the fire with a late-night social media post, stating, “Hakan Calhanoglu Fenerbahcemize hayirli olsun,” loosely translated as “Welcome to Fenerbahce, Hakan Calhanoglu.” The post sent fans into a frenzy online.

Calhanoglu, 30, was a key figure in Inter’s run to the UEFA Champions League final in the 2023–24 season. He made 47 appearances in all competitions, scoring 11 goals and delivering 8 assists.

July 19, 2025 10:26 AM GMT+03:00
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