Hakan Calhanoglu has establishe himself as a key member of AC Milan (Getty Images)
Back in January, Sempre Milan (h/t Chronicle Live) suggested that Newcastle United were interested in signing AC Milan star Hakan Calhanoglu. However, a deal didn’t materialize and the Turk stayed put at San Siro.
Having spent time at the academy of Waldhof Manheim, Calhanoglu, 26, joined Karlsruhe’s U17 side in 2009 before he went on to win the league with the then-German third-tier team. He was then signed by Hamburger SV before Bayer Leverkusen snapped him up in the summer of 2014.
He came to prominence during his time at Bay Arena and after making 115 appearances for the German outfit, scoring 28 goals and providing 29 assists, he made the move to AC Milan. He became a key member of the squad but could not really make his presence felt.
However, this season, since the restart, he has been one of the main contributors to Stefano Pioli’s side. He has also made 47 appearances for Turkey at the international level and is one of the most exciting playmakers in Europe.
One of the chief reasons for Newcastle’s inconsistency this season is the lack of confidence in front of goal. They have managed to score just 38 goals in 38 games this season and that is due to the lack of creativity from their midfielders. Jonjo Shelvey is the only midfielder to contribute with 6 goals and none of them has been able to do better.
Attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron was mainly used on the right side of the frontline and they failed to create enough goalscoring opportunities. Thus, they need to bring in creative players to the squad for the new season.
In that regard, Calhanoglu would be a fantastic addition to the team. Predominantly a left-winger, the Turkish international has mainly operated as an attacking midfielder for Milan. He has scored 8 goals and further set up 8 more in the league this season for Milan and has been in sensational form since the restart. He has been one of the key players in the Italian giants’ resurgence this term.
He would definitely bring in a wealth of quality to the squad, whilst adding some much-needed depth. His creativity would be a huge boost for the strikers and Newcastle could benefit in terms of goal count next season with the Turk’s presence.
At 26, Calhanoglu seems to be getting back to his best form and he still has a lot more to offer in the future. And with less creativity in the squad, it would be wise if Newcastle reignite their interest in the former Leverkusen man and attempt to land him at St. James’ Park this summer.
