Amorim targets Serie A star as Man Utd midfield overhaul begins

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·2. Juli 2025

Amorim targets Serie A star as Man Utd midfield overhaul begins

Man Utd Target Hakan Calhanoglu in Summer Overhaul

Red Devils pursue experienced playmaker amid Amorim rebuild

Amorim shaping midfield options after tough season

Manchester United are weighing up a summer move for Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, according to TeamTalk, with club officials believed to be in contact with the player’s representatives. The 31-year-old Turkey international has emerged as a priority target as new manager Ruben Amorim begins rebuilding after a dismal campaign.

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United finished a shocking 15th in the Premier League and fell short in the Europa League final, losing out to Tottenham Hotspur. With major changes underway at Old Trafford, the club have already secured Matheus Cunha from Wolves and are engaged in talks with Brentford over Bryan Mbeumo.

Amorim, who led Sporting CP to success in Portugal, is known to admire Viktor Gyökeres but is equally keen to reshape his midfield. Calhanoglu, revered for his vision and set-piece precision, fits the bill as a deep-lying playmaker capable of dictating tempo and creating chances.

Interest growing in Calhanoglu despite Galatasaray links

According to journalist Orazio Accomando, Manchester United and Fulham have both made enquiries in recent days. Galatasaray remain Calhanoglu’s preferred destination, but their financial offer falls well short of Inter Milan’s valuation.

“Situation #Calhanoglu: he wants #Galatasaray, but the Turks today cannot go beyond 15M to #Inter.The Nerazzurri are asking for a figure close to 40M. In recent hours, inquiries from #ManchesterUnited and #Fulham with Calha’s agents, following those from Arabia in recent weeks.Galatasaray aware that in case of a bidding war, it will be difficult to secure the midfielder.”

This follows earlier reporting from TEAMtalk’s Rudy Galetti, who stated that Inter will only sell if their valuation of over €45m (£38.6m) is met. Internally, Calhanoglu is viewed as a key figure by new boss Cristian Chivu, and while he is open to returning to Turkey, he has not submitted a transfer request and remains content in Milan.

Calhanoglu’s pedigree appeals to Old Trafford hierarchy

A deal close to £39million could prove exceptional value for a player widely considered among Turkey’s finest exports. Calhanoglu’s influence at Inter has been immense—he was instrumental in their 2023/24 Serie A title win and appeared in two Champions League finals (2023 and 2025). He also lifted the Coppa Italia twice.

During a standout 2023/24 campaign, Calhanoglu proclaimed himself the world’s top deep-lying playmaker:

“Months ago, I said I was among the best Registas but no one believed in me.However, I always believed in myself. I know my qualities, and I’m not afraid of anyone.”

“The others don’t do what I’m currently producing on the pitch.For instance, I never score from close range, but from 25-30 metres or through a free-kick. These are difficult things to pull off.They are good at managing the play, but I don’t like making five metres passes. I always look for the killer pass which increases the possibility of scoring. Horizontal passing doesn’t help.”

Numbers back up Calhanoglu’s confidence

Calhanoglu’s form has backed his bold claims. His record across Italy’s two giants is impressive—32 goals and 48 assists in 172 appearances for AC Milan, followed by 38 goals and 32 assists in 182 appearances for Inter.

With a contract that runs until summer 2027, Inter are under no pressure to sell. Yet the combination of Galatasaray’s interest, Saudi attention, and growing Premier League enquiries—particularly from a resurgent Manchester United—make this one to watch.

Calhanoglu may ultimately choose Turkey, but should United formalise their interest and meet Inter’s valuation, the opportunity to anchor Amorim’s midfield project could tempt both player and club.