According to Italian media, Inter rivals Hakan Çalhanoglu and Lautaro Martínez spoke on the phone on Thursday, but the situation is far from resolved. Çalhanoglu is still expected to leave the Champions League finalist this summer.
Hakan Çalhanoglu had already been linked with a return to his homeland via a potential move to Galatasaray before tensions at Inter Milan boiled over in the wake of the club’s disappointing early exit from the FIFA Club World Cup.
The Nerazzurri, widely expected to be among the contenders for the title, were stunned by Brazilian side Fluminense in the Round of 16, losing 2–0 in a flat and disjointed performance that exposed serious internal issues both tactically and emotionally.
Çalhanoglu, who was unavailable for the tournament due to injury, did not play a single minute during Inter’s short stay in the United States. However, the midfielder still found himself at the center of the controversy after captain Lautaro Martínez delivered a fiery post-match interview that seemed to question the commitment of certain teammates. “For those who want to stay at Inter: very good, let’s fight,” the Argentine striker said. “Those who don’t want to stay can leave. We need players who want to be here. We wear a very important shirt. That means we need a top mentality. Otherwise, please, go.”
Although Martínez did not mention names at the time, it was quickly reported and later confirmed by sources close to the club that his comments were aimed at Çalhanoglu. The 31-year-old playmaker had reportedly expressed doubts about his role under new head coach Christian Chivu and was said to be evaluating his options, including a potential switch to Galatasaray. The tension exploded into public view when Çalhanoglu responded on Instagram, in a story that many interpreted as a direct rebuttal of Martínez’s remarks. His message was subtle but firm, implying loyalty to Inter and expressing frustration over being scapegoated.
The conflict triggered a minor crisis within the squad and presented Chivu with his first significant challenge as Inter’s new manager. Having stepped into the role after Simone Inzaghi’s departure at the end of the previous season, Chivu was hoping to build unity and momentum. Instead, he was forced to step in as peacemaker. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Chivu encouraged both players to speak privately, and the two reportedly held a phone call on Thursday to address the situation.
Despite this attempt at reconciliation, Italian media maintain that the tension between Çalhanoglu and Martínez is far from resolved. The phone call was described as “cordial but cold,” with both players reluctant to fully back down. Çalhanoglu reportedly remains unconvinced about his role in Chivu’s project and is leaning toward a summer exit. Internally, the club is also prepared for his departure.
Inter's board has already begun planning for life without Çalhanoglu. The club recently completed the signing of 20-year-old Croatian midfielder Petar Sucic, seen by many as a long-term investment and potential replacement. While Sucic is still raw, Inter views him as a player who can grow into a central role under Chivu’s guidance.
At the same time, Inter’s financial situation continues to force difficult decisions. The club must sell players to balance the books and comply with Serie A's financial regulations. Çalhanoglu is one of the club's more valuable assets, especially considering he arrived on a free transfer from arch-rivals AC Milan in 2021. Now 31, the Turkish international still has strong market value, particularly in Turkey, where Galatasaray are reportedly leading the race for his signature.
The Turkish giants have expressed genuine interest and see Çalhanoglu as a marquee signing to boost their midfield and profile ahead of their Champions League campaign. However, the key obstacle remains financial. Inter has set a minimum price tag of €30 million a significant figure for a player approaching the latter stages of his career. Galatasaray are believed to be exploring payment structures and possible player-exchange options to meet Inter’s demands without violating their own financial limits.
Meanwhile, other players could also leave San Siro this summer as part of a broader reshuffle. Defender Yann Bisseck, who showed flashes of potential last season, is reportedly available if a suitable offer arrives. Midfielder Davide Frattesi is attracting strong interest from Atlético Madrid, with reports in Spain suggesting the Spanish club is preparing an official bid. Denzel Dumfries, another key figure, continues to be linked with a move to Barcelona, where his physicality and attacking style appeal to new manager Hansi Flick. The Dutchman is said to have a release clause that could facilitate a transfer if Barcelona decides to act quickly.
For Inter, the next few weeks will be critical in shaping not just their squad for the upcoming season, but also the long-term structure of the team. Whether Çalhanoglu stays or goes may depend on multiple factors: Galatasaray’s financial flexibility, Inter’s willingness to negotiate, and the midfielder’s own priorities whether he wants to return to Turkey as a national hero or fight for his place in Chivu’s evolving vision.
What’s clear is that the Club World Cup defeat was more than just a single disappointing result. It pulled back the curtain on deeper cracks within the squad and set in motion a series of events that could define Inter’s summer.
