'The light of our eyes' - Galatasaray president confirms talks with Hakan Calhanoglu but denies trying to tap up Inter star

Dursun Ozbek has confirmed a conversation with Inter midfielder Calhanoglu but denied any official transfer talks. Speaking to local media, Ozbek stated the phone call with Calhanoglu was informal and not related to a potential move, despite an increase in speculation around the Turkish international's future.

The playmaker is one of the top targets for the Turkish club, who want to build a Champions League-contending squad. Galatasaray have already secured the free transfer of Leroy Sane and remain highly active in negotiations for Victor Osimhen.

Calhanoglu, 31, remains under contract with Inter until June 2027, earning €6.5 million per season. Inter reportedly value the midfielder at €35–40 million (£30m–£34m/$38m–$43m). Although Galatasaray have been interested for a long time, any deal would need a lot of funds and official talks with Inter.

The midfielder previously stated it would be an honour to play for Galatasaray one day, while his father reportedly fuelled rumours with social media posts indicating family support for the move.

Dursun Ozbek said: "Hakan Calhanoglu is the light of our eyes. He is our pride, the captain of the national team, an important and successful player. Every team would like him. My meeting with Hakan, however, was not a market meeting. I was with a friend, a group of friends were talking on the phone with Hakan and when they saw me they passed me the phone. We said hello, he told me that he has been a Galatasaray fan since he was a child. I wished him the best. It is very important that people know that this is how it went"

Calhanoglu is expected to begin pre-season with the Italian club unless a formal offer is submitted. Galatasaray must decide whether to make an official approach and meet Inter’s valuation. The result of negotiations for other important targets, notably Napoli attacker Osimhen, will also influence the transfer plan of the Turkish club.