For one reason or another, Hakan Calganoglu was never a fan favorite amongst Milan fans, nonetheless, watching him move towards their city-rivals, Inter, is undoubtedly hard to swallow. One day after Turkey’s underwhelming elimination from Euro 2020, some major Italian sources reported the midfielder’s crosstown transfer, and the player himself confirmed it later in the day.
So what should the Nerazzurri fans expect from their impending new signing? and where will fit in Simone Inzaghi’s plans for next season?
Familiar Face, New Colors
As we mentioned before, the Rossoneri supporters weren’t too fond of the former Bayer Leverkusen man, and perhaps because they had already perceived the current events.
The 27-year-old’s attitude had always been that of a “professional” player rather than someone who intends to become a club symbol.
The Turkish international should be entering his peak years, which could justify his search for the biggest contract possible after seeing out his Milan deal.
Hakan Calhanoglu is set to join Inter from AC Milan! His current contract will expire next week and he’ll sign with Inter until June 2024 – Hakan will refuse AC Milan contract extension bid. ???
Medicals expected to be completed tomorrow. @DiMarzio @ManuBaio #Inter #ACMilan
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 21, 2021
However, this shouldn’t suggest that he’s not a dedicated player on the pitch, as we’ve seen him running hard all over the field for the Diavolo.
Nevertheless, his main attributes remain his passing skills, his sublime freekick delivery, and his ability to threaten with his shooting from the edge of the box.
Following Christian Erkisen’s horrifying collapse in Denmark’s encounter against Finland, the Dane thankfully escaped with his life, but his playing career remains in great jeopardy.
Therefore, Inter definitely accelerated the negotiation with Calhanoglu in order to have a ready-made replacement for the former Spurs star.
Whilst Hakan can operate as central midfielder with a license to go forward, Inzaghi will have an attacking midfielder at his disposal, a position that the squad lacked in the previous seasons.
Hakan Calhanoglu will become the first player to leave #ACMilan for rivals Inter since Antonio Cassano in 2012. pic.twitter.com/WXQyx5lw09
— MilanData? (@acmilandata) June 21, 2021
Calhanoglu in Inter Lineup
Following his five-year stint at Lazio, Inzaghi always favored a 3-5-2 formation – similarly to the one built by Antonio Conte during his time at the Giuseppe Meazza.
Therefore, all the signs suggest that the new manager will maintain the same tactical scheme adopted by his predecessor.
In such a lineup, Calhanoglu will be Erkisen’s direct heir at Inter, taking his slot on in the midfield trio to the left of Marcelo Brozovic who will play as a Regista – if he remains at the club of course.
The Turk can act as the direct link between the midfield and the attack, in a similar role to the one performed by Luis Alberto under Inzaghi’s guidance. Some would suggest that the lineup can be described as 3-4-1-2.
The formation dropped above is arguably the one that is the closest to reality. However, the addition of an attacking midfielder could offer the Italian tactician the ability to tinker in his lineups.
Moreover, we’ve all heard reports linking Achraf Hakimi with transfer moves towards either Paris Saint Germain or Chelsea. On the other hand, Ivan Perisic is far from being the perfect wingback.
So with uncertainty surrounding the flanks, Inzaghi can bank on his strong midfield department, and try a 4-4-2 diamond formation, perhaps as a plan B.
