Galatasaray President Denies Transfer Approach For Inter Milan Star: ‘We Spoke, But Not About The Transfer Market’ | OneFootball

The President of Galatasaray says that he spoke with Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, but “not about the transfer market.”

Galatasaray President Dursun Ozbek spoke to Turkish media, via FCInterNews. He addressed transfer rumours surrounding the 31-year-old Nerazzurri player.

Galatasaray are reportedly keen to try and sign Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu.

Rumours have swirled for the past week concerning interest from the Istanbul giants. They have not necessarily made an official bit to Inter, but are getting ready to.

Meanwhile, there have also reportedly been reports of Galatasaray approaching Calhanoglu himself.

Reports indicate that the former AC Milan midfielder’s agent has already travelled to Turkey. Naturally, convincing Calhanoglu would be a key stage for signing the midfielder.

And numerous reports from Italian and particularly Turkish media have indicated that Galatasaray have already offered the 31-year-old a big money contract.

Galatasaray President: “Spoke With Hakan Calhanoglu, But Not About Transfer”

MUNICH, GERMANY – APRIL 08: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between FC Bayern München and FC Internazionale Milano at Fussball Arena Muenchen on April 08, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

There have been recent reports that Galatasaray have already spoken with Hakan Calhanoglu to try and pitch the move to him.

According to the Turkish champions’ President, however, that was not actually the tone of the conversation.

Galatasaray President Dursun Ozbek claimed that “there’s been a misunderstanding about Calhanoglu.”

“He’s our pride,” he continued. “The captain of the national team, a top player.”

“Every team would like to have him in their squad,” Ozbek said of Calhanoglu. “But my meeting with him was not related to a transfer.”

The Galatasaray President continued to clarify that “I was with a friend.”

“We were in a group. And they were talking on the phone with Hakan. They side, ‘The President of Galatasaray is here with me, he wants to say hello.'”

“So we said hello to each other,” Ozbek went on.

“He said that he’s been a Galatasaray fan since he was a child. I asked him how he was doing, and complimented him on his performances, and on the fact that he represents us in Europe.”

“I wished him the best,” the Galatasaray President went on.

“But the meeting was represented by the media as though it were a transfer market meeting,” he added.