Hakan Calhanoglu Key to Inter, Capello Warns

Hakan Calhanoglu is, in Fabio Capello’s eyes, the “Rodri of Inter”, a midfielder who keeps Simone Inzaghi’s side ticking and should under no circumstances be sold.

Capello: Calhanoglu the Engine of Inzaghi’s Midfield

Speaking on Italian television, the legendary former Milan and Real Madrid coach praised Calhanoglu’s control of tempo, passing range and set-piece craft. Capello stressed that the Turkish playmaker “makes the team go round,” exactly as Rodri does for Manchester City, and claimed any sale would “rip out Inter’s heartbeat”.

Lautaro’s Public Swipe Sparks Dressing-Room Tension

The debate intensified after captain Lautaro Martinez publicly criticised Calhanoglu for taking a penalty he subsequently missed. Capello condemned the Argentine’s outburst, insisting such matters must stay in-house to preserve squad harmony during a title race that already looks like a sprint with Juventus and Milan.

Transfer Talk: Galatasaray Waiting in the Wings

Reports in Italy and Turkey suggest Galatasaray are ready to tempt Inter with a sizeable January bid. While the Nerazzurri hierarchy are considering the offer to balance the books, Capello urged caution, reminding the club that replacing a playmaker of Calhanoglu’s calibre mid-season would be “financially pointless and tactically reckless”.

Inzaghi’s Tactical Dependence

Deployed as a deep-lying regista, Calhanoglu averages 75 passes per match and leads Serie A for chances created from set plays. Removing him would force Inzaghi to reshuffle Nicolò Barella or Kristjan Asllani, potentially disrupting a system that has delivered the league’s best defensive record.

Quick opinion: Selling a player who blends creativity with hard pressing to finance a short-term fix feels like penny-wise, pound-foolish thinking. Inter should heed Capello’s warning and build around Calhanoglu, not cash in on him.