A mere courtesy meeting, that`s the jargon for talks that barely begin and don`t lead to negotiation. It`s `black smoke` for Calhanoglu`s move to Galatasaray: this summarizes yesterday`s events after Inter`s sporting director Piero Ausilio met with the Turkish club`s vice-president, Abdullah Kavukçu. Conditions aren`t right for serious talks about numbers, as Gala lacks the operational room for a strong bid, reportedly stuck at 10 million euros. Thus, Calhanoglu is currently much closer to staying at Inter than moving to his beloved Istanbul. However, be cautious about definitive judgments: the transfer window is just on July 10th, which would be like assessing a year in mid-February. Nothing can be entirely ruled out. Neither Galatasaray finding the strength for a push in the next 20 days, nor other clubs eyeing the midfielder.
The Agreement
Certainly, yesterday`s development is not trivial. It opens a scenario that, at one point, seemed the least likely. In essence, the failure to sell (as of today, it must be reiterated) automatically rules out the pursuit of Ederson: it`s impossible to think Inter would negotiate for the Atalanta Brazilian regardless, nor would Asllani`s potential departure – which he`s also resisting – free up space for him. Instead, coach Chivu and the club will need to be adept at managing Calhanoglu`s “return” to the team, especially after the post-Charlotte friction. Hakan`s contract runs until 2027, and the management`s plan is as follows: talk to the midfielder, motivate him, and ask for the same immense dedication shown in recent seasons, keeping his focus entirely on Inter without thinking of leaving yet. In return, the club is willing to grant him an “easier” departure in 2026, when his contract will have only 12 months remaining and the player will be over 32 years old.
The Turning Point
While one potential deal is “linked” (Ederson/Calhanoglu), another is progressing independently: Leoni. Inter is so keen on the Parma gem that they`ve changed their strategy. Previously, they always considered selling a player before making a move for the 2006-born defender. The new approach is this: the Nerazzurri club plans to finalize the Leoni operation without needing sales. He`s an addition, not a replacement. This is an investment for today and tomorrow considered so central that it`s being prioritized on their agenda, not tied to other deals. Leoni is the defender Marotta himself praised, saying `yes, he`s on our list. He`s a very interesting prospect, also for the future of the national team.` He`s the player sporting director Ausilio targeted a year and a half ago but couldn`t sign from Sampdoria. And he`s a youngster Chivu himself vouches for, having personally witnessed his qualities. This turning point signifies at least two other things. First is confirmation: the Nerazzurri club has the financial capacity to make a significant move. Seventy million euros have already been invested in Luis Henrique, Bonny, and Sucic, with another 30 planned for the defender. A total budget of 100 million, a significant figure and a level of availability not seen since summer 2019. And yes, Marotta and Ausilio are ready to go up to 30 million to win the derby with Milan for him. Second point: Bisseck is not moving. The defender has been taken off the market; he would only leave for an offer outside of logic. And that`s right: the youth policy shouldn`t start with selling the German. So, no negotiations are happening there either.
