Why Manchester United should make a move for Hakan Calhanoglu
As per TuttoMercatoWeb (h/t Daily Star), Manchester United are interested in signing AC Milan star Hakan Calhanoglu ahead of the new campaign.
The report suggests that United are looking for another playmaker to reduce the burden on Bruno Fernandes, and Calhanoglu has come under the radars of the club. The Turk has just one more year left on his contract and could be sold as talks over a new contract have stalled with AC Milan, as per the report.
However, Manchester United will have to face competition to secure the signing of the playmaker as RB Leipzig and Hertha Berlin are also keen on Calhanoglu, as per the report.
Profile
Born in Manheim, Germany, Calhanoglu started his journey with his hometown club before joining Karlsruher SC’s U17 squad. He then went on win the German third-tier title with the latter and earned a move to Hamburger SV, for whom he made 38 appearances.
He came to prominence with his time at Bayer Leverkusen, where he spent three years and made 115 appearances. In the summer of 2017, he made the jump to Milan and has established himself as a key member of the squad.
Since the restart after the lockdown, the Turkish international has been in sensational form as he helped his side finish 6th in the Serie A standings. He has also been capped 47 times by Turkey so far.
Why Manchester United need Calhanoglu
At the moment, United have three attacking midfielders. Bruno Fernandes has been a sensational signing for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the Portuguese international has changed the dynamics of the team since his arrival. In 21 games, he has contributed with 11 goals and 8 assists and been a key figure in the team’s revival.
However, he has missed just one game since his arrival and no one has been able to replace him. Juan Mata is already 32 and reaching the twilight of his career, while 24-year-old Andreas Pereira hasn’t been up to the mark. Thus, United bringing in a playmaker would be helpful next season.
In that regard, Calhanoglu would be a smart addition to the squad. The Turkish international has managed to rack up 11 goals and 9 assists in 38 games across all competitions this season and his best has come since the restart. He could be a crucial player for Solskjaer if the manager needs to rotate his squad.
Fernandes has been featuring regularly without enough support from Mata or Pereira. And going into the new season, it would be difficult if they don’t have a proper backup. And Calhanoglu could provide some much-needed depth in quality.
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Verdict
With limited quality in the creative department, it is clear that United need attacking midfielders to bolster their options. And the former Leverkusen man could provide them with some much-needed quality and goals. He could also be used in the place of Fernandes in smaller fixtures. Thus, making a move for Calhanoglu would be a wise decision by the club.
