Galatasaray are already laying the groundwork for a blockbuster summer as manager Okan Buruk openly admitted the club’s admiration for Inter Milan star Hakan Çalhanoğlu as reported by Fabrizo Romano via their X Handle.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Buruk revealed that the Turkish playmaker is a lifelong Galatasaray fan and would be welcomed with “open arms” if the chance to bring him home ever became realistic.
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk: “I know Hakan Çalhanoglu very well, it’s been 15 years or so… we know he’s a Galatasaray fan”. “We wait for him to join Gala with open arms!”, told Gazzetta dello Sport
For now, though, that door remains firmly shut. Çalhanoğlu is a key figure in Inter’s project under Cristian Chivu and is under contract at San Siro until 2027. Despite Galatasaray viewing him as a dream target, Inter have no plans to sell one of their midfield leaders.
Elsewhere, Galatasaray’s midfield plans have hit mixed fortunes. A move for Wolfsburg’s Mattias Svanberg has collapsed after negotiations failed to reach an agreement, confirming the Swede will stay in Germany for the rest of the season.
Talks are ongoing for Real Betis midfielder Sergi Altimira, but the Spanish club are playing hardball. Three bids have already been rejected, with Betis pushing for a deal that includes a mandatory purchase clause close to €20 million — a structure Galatasaray are still reluctant to accept.
Despite these hurdles, Galatasaray have been busy strengthening the squad. Sacha Boey has arrived on loan from Bayern Munich, Renato Nhaga joined permanently from Casa Pia, and Noa Lang came in on loan from Napoli, while İlkay Gündoğan was snapped up on a free transfer earlier in the season.
Crucially, Victor Osimhen remains untouchable, with club officials dismissing rumours of interest from Barcelona and PSG after the striker’s sensational 33-goal campaign.
Softfootball reports that Galatasaray’s strategy is clear: build a title-ready squad now, and position the club to strike big in the summer if a player like Çalhanoğlu ever becomes available.
