Leroy Sane upsets Hakan Calhanoglu with choice of Galatasaray shirt number as Inter star ready to join Turkish giants

Sane’s move to Gala has stirred unexpected controversy, not over the transfer itself, but due to the club assigning him the iconic No.10 shirt. That number going to the German international has reportedly irked the Inter star as he hoped to take it if he joins this summer. While Calhanoglu remains under contract with Inter until 2027, Turkish reports (via CalcioMercato) claim he has given his approval for a potential return home, even sending his agent to Istanbul for talks. Inter are yet to receive a formal offer, but the Super Lig champions are expected to table a bid soon, though it may fall well short of Inter’s €40 million (£34m/$46m) valuation.

Calhanoglu is a lifelong Gala admirer, could be tempted by the chance to join a club he once described as an “honour” to play for. With Sane already through the door on a free transfer, Gala are assembling a team designed to compete beyond Turkish borders. Yet, the Nerazzurri are reportedly unimpressed by the Turkish club’s approach and the current offer, a modest €15m (£13m/$17m) plus bonuses, falls well below expectations. Still, sources suggest a deal could be reached for €25m–30m (£21m-£26m/$29m -$35m) if negotiations progress.

“I’m happy at Inter but it would be an honour to play for Galatasaray one day,” Calhanoglu said in a recent interview, adding fuel to the speculation.

According to reports, he has not publicly asked to leave but is open to the switch. His father has also fanned the flames with an Instagram story which said: "We hope you come to our Galatasaray one day.”

Formal talks likely to intensify after the Club World Cup. Gala’s next bid will be extremely crucial for them, if they inch closer to Inter’s valuation, the deal could accelerate quickly. Much will also depend on whether the Turkish international pushes for the move or chooses to maintain his current trajectory at the San Siro.