Report – Inter Set Sights on Serie A Breakout Star to Replace Hakan Calhanoglu | OneFootball

Inter long-serving stalwart Hakan Calhanoglu could leave Giuseppe Meazza at the end of the season as a free agent. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the reigning Serie A champions are already scouring the market for potential replacements.

Hakan Calhanoglu was close to leaving Inter in the summer of 2025. Galatasaray and Fenerbahce were hot on his heels, aware of the player’s alleged intention to return to his homeland toward the end of his career. However, Cristian Chivu convinced the 32-year-old to stay at Meazza, and it proved to be a resounding success.

Indeed, Calhanoglu was among the most influential figures as Inter won their 21st Scudetto last season. Furthermore, the Turkish midfielder has continued in the same vein at the start of 2026/27, netting two goals in his first three league outings.

Yet, Calhanoglu’s contract runs out next summer, with the Nerazzurri already preparing for life after their skilled deep-lying playmaker. As such, they’ve already earmarked up-and-coming Roma loanee Alessandro Romano as the Turk’s potential heir.

Our Take on Inter, Calhanoglu & Romano

Calhanoglu has been the beating heart of Inter’s midfield for years, and replacing a player of his caliber won’t be straightforward. However, he’s approaching the autumn of his career, and Inter cannot delay the inevitable.

On the other hand, Romano has quickly established himself as one of the hottest prospects in Italian football this season. At just 20, he has nailed down a starting berth at the Unipol Domus since joining Cagliari from Roma in the summer, scoring a winning goal against Parma on his Serie A debut.

It’s also worth noting that Cagliari must purchase Romano at the end of his loan, meaning the youngster’s future is effectively out of Roma’s hands. Therefore, Inter will have to deal with the Sardinians next summer if they genuinely view the Italian teenager as Calhanoglu’s long-term successor.