Galatasaray Coach Flirts With Inter Milan & Turkey Megastar: “We’re Waiting For Him With Open Arms” | OneFootball

Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk reiterated the club’s interest in Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport via L’Interista, Buruk confirmed that the Turkish giants are still keen on the 32-year-old.

Hakan Calhanoglu flirted with the Istanbul outfit last summer, casting doubt on his future at San Siro.

Despite initiating contact with the player’s agent, the Rams Park giants couldn’t find an agreement with the skilled playmaker.

Instead, the former AC Milan star chose to stay, re-establishing himself as a vital part of Inter’s project under a new manager.

Indeed, Cristian Chivu has breathed new life into Calhanoglu, who has been nothing short of outstanding this season.

For context, he has bagged seven goals and added two assists across 17 Serie A appearances.

However, Calhanoglu’s contract expires in 2027, which puts Inter in a difficult situation heading into the summer transfer window.

Unless they convince the Turkish ace to pen a new deal, Inter could face mounting pressure to cash in this summer.

Okan Buruk Confirms Galatasaray Interest in Inter Milan Star Hakan Calhanoglu

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“I’ve known Hakan for fifteen years,” Buruk said. “He’s a Galatasaray fan, and our supporters would love to see him here.

“Let’s just say we’re waiting for him with open arms.”

Buruk spent three years at San Siro during his playing career.

Indeed, he played for Inter between 2001 and 2004, albeit without much success.

“I follow Italian football closely,” Buruk added. “Who knows, maybe one day I’ll return as a coach.

“Inter remain the favorites for the Scudetto, and they have a great manager.”

Furthermore, he also heaped praise on Chivu.

“Chivu was an intelligent player, so I expected him to do well on the bench.

“He knows the environment and has introduced his ideas without overturning a system that was already working very well.”