Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing AC Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu. The Turkish international has been with the Italian side since 2017, having joined from Bayer Leverkusen.
As per Mundo Deportivo, Manchester United are one of the sides interested in signing Calhanoglu, but Atletico Madrid are reportedly the frontrunners in securing the 26-year-old’s signature.
The likes of Juventus and Milan’s arch-rivals Inter Milan are also interested in signing him. Calhanoglu’s contract with Milan expires at the end of the season and he can have negotiations with other clubs in January.
The German-born midfielder has made 140 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring 27 goals and making 40 assists.
Hakan Calhanoglu – Should Manchester United move in for him?
Hakan Calhanoglu is a gifted playmaker, who has played in multiple positions for Milan. The 26-year-old’s primary position is behind the striker as an attacking midfielder, but he has also played on the left as an inside winger, and as a central midfielder.
The Turkish international is a technically sound player who can score from set-pieces, deliver accurate crosses and through balls, and has the flair to dribble past opposition players and create chances for his team.
Last season in the Serie A, Calhanoglu averaged 2.9 shots on goal, while making two key passes per game on average. He is good from direct free-kicks and putting in balls from set-piece situations. He is a player with the ability to unlock a defence, and can test even the best of backlines on his day.
But, he is not the type of player that Manchester United need at the moment. The Red Devils already have two talented No. 10s in Bruno Fernandes and Donny van de Beek, the former who has been instrumental for the side over the last six months, while the latter is settling into the team.
The Premier League side also have plenty of central midfielders vying for the two midfield slots, with the likes of Fred, Scott McTominay, Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba in contention for those roles.
The Red Devils need to strengthen their backline as well as add a star winger to their side next season. Another creative midfielder is not the priority for Manchester United and Solskjaer.
Stats via Whoscored
