Galatasaray coach reveals late Hakan Calhanoglu transfer bid failed despite Inter star accepting pay cut

Galatasaray coach Buruk has confirmed the club made a final attempt to sign Calhanoglu last week, only for Inter to reject the approach, according to a report from Gazzetta. The Turkish giants were told they would have to pay up to €45 million (£39/$54m) to land the midfielder, a figure they could not meet. Buruk revealed that Calhanoglu, a boyhood Galatasaray fan, was willing to accept a salary reduction to facilitate the transfer.

The failed bid brings an end to a summer of uncertainty surrounding the Turkish international's future at San Siro. Calhanoglu was persistently linked with a move, with both Galatasaray and rivals Fenerbahce showing interest, but a lack of formal offers had previously frustrated the Inter hierarchy. The speculation followed a difficult period for the 31-year-old, which included a public disagreement with club captain Lautaro Martinez and an injury relapse during the Club World Cup. Despite the tensions, the midfielder recently declared his desire to remain with the Serie A club.

Buruk spoke about the negotiations to land the playmaker, saying: "Calhanoglu? We tried last week too, but Inter..."

"He would have sacrificed his salary for us, but if they had sold him to us, we would have had to spend 40-45 million. A difficult deal.

"We really wanted him. He's a huge Galatasaray fan. We made another attempt last week, but Inter didn't want to sell him. They said they'd only do it if we offered a higher price than normal. We made an attempt. He and Gundogan would have sacrificed their salaries, but if Inter had sold him, we would have had to spend €40-€45 million. His move was very difficult for us. Hakan also made sacrifices, but the deal didn't go through because Inter didn't want to sell him."

With the transfer window now closed, Calhanoglu will remain an Inter player and focus on the Serie A season. The midfielder is expected to be a key figure for the Nerazzurri as they look to challenge for the title. Inter's next match is a crucial fixture away to rivals Juventus on Saturday, 13 September.