Hakan Calhanoglu has admitted that he is desperate to move to Chelsea next season
According to Turkish publication Fanatik, Calhanoglu has admitted that he has set his sights on a move to Chelsea and is praying for a summer transfer. The Turkish international is currently serving a four-month ban from FIFA for breaching a contract with Trabzonspor but hopes this will not deter Chelsea from signing him.
“God willing, I will be a Chelsea player next season,” Calhanoglu told Turksh newspaper Fanatik. “There are also a number of other clubs interested in signing me.”
Calhanoglu was found guilty of a breach of contract relating to his time at Karlsruhe. He received €100,000 from Turkish club Trabzonspor in 2011 after agreeing to sign with the club but later extended his contract with Karslruhe. Trabzonspor had initially sought repayment of the €100,000 paid as well compensation of €1 million.
However, on the 2nd of February this year, FIFA ruled that a four-month ban in addition to the compensation would be a more fitting punishment. This means Calhanoglu will miss Leverkusen’s Champions League fixtures against Atletico Madrid and given his talent this is going to be a big blow for the club.
The Turkish midfielder has earned a reputation as a set-piece specialist, having scored some spectacular goals from free-kicks. He is also known for scoring goals from distance and his talents have piqued the interest of several top clubs across Europe.
This season, Calhanoglu has scored 7 goals and picked up 7 assists across 22 appearances. He is also averaging an impressive 1.78 key passes and 2.15 chances created per game in the Bundesliga which is an indicator of his passing ability and creativity.
Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan have all been rumoured to be interested in the 22-year old. However, Chelsea are thought to be the most seriously interested in signing the Turkish midfielder.
The Blues reportedly put in a bid for Calhanoglu last month as Antonio Conte looked to replace Oscar, who departed to Shanghai SIPG in a big money move. However, nothing came to fruition and it is possible Chelsea were awaiting the results of his FIFA hearing before moving for the midfielder.
Should Chelsea renew their interest, it is unlikely Calhanoglu will cost a ridiculous sum. The midfielder will only have 2 years left on his contract by the time he returns from his ban, and while Leverkusen will want their money’s worth, Chelsea have no issue when it comes to matching asking prices.
The only question is whether Chelsea actually need Calhanoglu. Given the fact that even Cesc Fabregas is struggling to break into the first team, it appears Conte is more than happy with his options. Should the Spaniard leave, however, Calhanoglu’s prayers might just be answered.
