Inter’s return to work at Pinetina brought a significant piece of the season back into view: Hakan Calhanoglu trained with the squad for the entire session, having recovered from the discomfort in his right adductor. The next question for Cristian Chivu is not whether the Turkish midfielder can help, but how carefully he must be used across the weeks ahead.
Calhanoglu returns, but Parma may come too soon
- Calhanoglu rejoined full training with his team-mates after the muscle issue was resolved.
- The coming days will be used to rebuild his match fitness rather than force an immediate return to the starting line-up.
- He is expected to be available for Saturday’s Serie A meeting with Parma, although a place among the substitutes appears more likely than a start.
- Inter may instead look towards the Champions League match against Bruges for his more substantial return.
The caution reflects a recent physical record that cannot be ignored. Calhanoglu will turn 33 on 8 February and has suffered 11 muscular problems since the start of the 2024-25 campaign. Those setbacks have cost him 34 matches and added up to 211 days away from competition.
Even in this season’s limited starts, Inter have treated his minutes with restraint. In each of his three appearances from the opening whistle, he has played no more than 65 minutes.
A midfielder Chivu cannot easily replace
Chivu considers Calhanoglu central to the team, as Simone Inzaghi did before him. The midfielder gives Inter control in possession while also contributing the less celebrated defensive work required to hold the side together.
The numbers underline his importance. Inter have conceded 10 goals so far, but only three arrived while Calhanoglu was on the pitch: one against Monza and two against Real Madrid. He has also scored twice, finding the net against Monza and Cagliari.
Inter and their coach have therefore remained committed to him despite the need for close management. He may no longer be expected to complete 30 matches in a campaign, but the club believe that more than 20 meaningful appearances from him can still raise the level of the entire side.
Contract talks will test Inter’s plan
His fitness situation also sits behind a contract decision that will become increasingly important as the season develops. Calhanoglu’s current deal expires at the end of the campaign.
- At the end of last season, Inter and the player jointly chose to postpone formal renewal discussions.
- Communication with his representative, Stipic, has nevertheless remained open.
- Following Baccin’s arrival, the parties agreed to meet soon to discuss Calhanoglu’s future.
- Inter are prepared to offer an extension, but on revised financial terms.
The proposed arrangement would involve a fixed salary noticeably below the €6.5 million he currently earns. A sizeable bonus structure, likely linked in part to appearances, could allow him to approach his existing income if he remains regularly available.
The decisive point will be Calhanoglu’s own preference. Galatasaray and Fenerbahce have shown interest over the past two summers, though neither Turkish club reached the figures Inter required to consider a sale. This time, with his contract running down, he could leave without a transfer payment.
Inter’s offer is likely to be substantial, but the midfielder must decide whether to continue his role in Nerazzurri colours or finish his career in Turkey. For now, the immediate task is simpler: bring him back without asking too much, too soon.
