In a sudden twist that has rocked the San Siro, he looks set to depart Inter Milan—just days after head coach Cristian Chivu stated publicly that there were “no plans” for him in the team. Ironically, that comment may have accelerated the move, reportedly poised to join Borussia Dortmund—a transfer that promises to send shockwaves through European football.
Chivu’s Rejection Sparks an Immediate U-Turn
Only a few days ago, Cristian Chivu—who took over Inter Milan during the off-season—was quoted as saying he had no future plan for Çalhanoğlu in his project, effectively leaving the midfielder sidelined. Yet within days, the club was navigating a full shift: Çalhanoğlu was preparing to exit. That abrupt turn has left fans baffled and insiders scrambling for clarity.
Chivu’s earlier stance contrasted sharply with his later efforts to reintegrate the Turkish captain. Sources confirmed that the Romanian tactician was considering offering Çalhanoğlu a fresh opportunity if talks with potential suitors stalled, particularly with Galatasaray. He even engaged in high-level attempts to repair the rift with team captain Lautaro Martínez in order to rebuild squad cohesion .
Why the Sudden Change? Financials and Locker Room Tensions
Inter Milan’s management set a lofty valuation for Çalhanoğlu—initially €30–35 million, and later closer to €40 m—while interested suitors, notably Turkish giants Galatasaray and prospective Premier League entrants, balked at the price (). Galatasaray even countered with offers around €15–17 million, far below Inter’s demands, leading to stalled progress ().
Complicating matters further, friction inside the dressing room escalated in the wake of Inter’s exit from the Club World Cup. Lautaro’s pointed remark—“whoever wants to leave, leave”—seemed aimed squarely at Çalhanoğlu, prompting him to fire back by calling the remarks divisive. The conflict prompted Chivu to arrange an emergency meeting to address squad unity, with Çalhanoğlu notably absent . Ever the professional, Çalhanoğlu responded by defending his loyalty, but the cracks were visible ().
Chivu’s Contradiction & Tactical Reevaluation
Despite previously distancing himself from the midfielder, Chivu later emphasized he believed he could mend relations between Çalhanoğlu and Lautaro, and offered to reintegrate him if a deal collapsed . However, other reports suggest that Chivu doesn’t want a like-for-like replacement if Çalhanoğlu leaves. The manager’s preference leans toward a more compact, physically oriented midfielder rather than a regista or deep-lying playmaker .
Such tactical shifts would make Çalhanoğlu surplus to requirements—even as they continued to value young midfielders like Davide Frattesi, whom Chivu plans to promote in his revamped structure .
Calhanoglu Eyes Dortmund: An Unexpected Destination
While Turkish media had long linked Çalhanoğlu with Galatasaray, recent rumors suggest Borussia Dortmund now leads the chase. Reports claim Çalhanoğlu is ready to depart amid the changing dynamics at Inter. Dortmund, seeking creative midfield reinforcement, could offer him regular top-level minutes in the Bundesliga and a Champions League platform.
Although Galatasaray was deeply entrenched in the negotiations and had reportedly agreed on terms internally, their failure to meet Inter’s valuation appears to have derailed the move . Meanwhile, Manchester United and Newcastle United were also reported to have some interest—though no formal bid materialized, and United’s potential £21 million offer reportedly fell short of Inter’s expectations ().
The possibility of Dortmund making an attractive bid—and the relative lack of takers at Inter’s price point—may have tipped the balance toward Germany.
Çalhanoğlu’s Legacy at Inter: Mixed Fortunes
Since signing for Inter Milan on a free transfer in 2021, following his stint at AC Milan, Çalhanoğlu has racked up 128 appearances across all competitions, scoring 28 goals and contributing substantially to important domestic successes, including the 2024 Serie A title and Coppa Italia triumphs in 2022 and 2023 .
Yet in recent seasons, his form became polarizing. While he delivered goals and set pieces, critics argued his influence waned, and his relationship with the squad frayed. Italian pundit Riccardo Trevisani warned him about departing: past exits of stars like Milan Škriniar and Romelu Lukaku from Inter reportedly saw struggles to rediscover their form elsewhere .
Impact on Inter Milan: Tactical Rebuild and Midfield Evolution
Should Çalhanoğlu leave, Inter will face significant tactical and structural challenges. Chivu seems to be overhauling the midfield profile away from creative deep-lying maestros toward more defensively minded profiles. Chivu has hinted at wanting a physical presence over a like-for-like playmaker .
Meanwhile, Inter has secured talented youngsters like Davide Frattesi, who Chivu is determined to build around in central midfield. The club also added Croat Petar Sučić and forward Ange-Yoan Bonny in early July, signaling a shift in transfer strategy toward younger profiles .
It’s also noted that Chivu has already informed Frattesi he will play a key role in the coming season, reinforcing Inter’s commitment to a new midfield identity .
Çalhanoğlu’s Next Chapter: A New Stage With Dortmund?
For Çalhanoğlu, a move to Borussia Dortmund could mark both a fresh start and a return to continental prominence. Dortmund values midfielders with set-piece mastery and two-footed playmaking ability—qualities that align with his profile.
If confirmed, this transfer could also signal a post-Inter phase in which he reinvents himself, away from the turbulence of Milan and inside a league where creativity is prized and tactical systems often favor his strengths.
Conclusion: A Rapid Fall from Grace
This sequence—from being publicly dismissed by Chivu to setting out the door within days—exposes the volatile and sometimes contradictory nature of football leadership and transfer strategy. Inter’s insistence on a large fee, Chivu’s tactical pivot, locker room tensions, and rival suitors’ failure to bid properly all combined to fast-track Çalhanoğlu’s exit.
If indeed the move to Dortmund materializes, it represents one of the more surprising departures of a high-profile midfielder in recent memory—especially so soon after being declared surplus. For Inter, it marks the beginning of a midfield evolution under Chivu; for Çalhanoğlu, perhaps a final chance to reignite his reputation.
Only time will tell whether this departure is a bold reset for both parties or a premature judgment from a coach still settling into his role.
