Former AC Milan Sporting Director Massimo Mirabelli has given his thoughts on the transfer of Hakan Calhanoglu to Inter from city rivals AC Milan.
Speaking in today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, the scout, who also worked as a Chief Scout at AC Milan, explained that he believes the player will improve Inter.
Having experience in a scouting capacity for both Milan clubs, Mirabelli shares his perspective on the way in which the signing could be a significant loss for the Rossoneri but also bolster the Nerazzurri,
Calhanoglu, Mirabelli, is a player who Inter had monitored while the 27-year-old was still playing for Bayer Leverkusen, and his qualities are admired by many around the Nerazzurri.
For Mirabelli, the arrival of Calhanoglu represents a significant moment for Inter’s squad, with the player a long-term target who has only found himself playing in Nerazzurri colours after a spell through the club’s derby rivals, but ready to be a key contributor.
Mirabelli talked about his initial reaction to the signing:
“When I heard the news I started laughing. I laughed because at the Nerazzurri they know the player very well.
“When I was working there, we were already following him, he was on our radar. They did not just discover him today in Appiano Gentile [the location of Inter’s training ground].”
As to why Inter did not sign the player initially, Mirabelli said this:
“The operation did not go well because there was the situation of Financial Fair Play which had many stakes to respect.”
Mirabelli continued: “I’m sorry that a good player is lost [by Milan] at no cost. But I’m happy that he’s going to Inter. He’s a golden boy, a real footballer.”
On Calhanoglu’s technical profile Mirabelli said the following:
“He plays as an attacking midfielder but in Germany he had many roles. He runs many kilometers for the team.”
“It was a great deal,” he said, “Milan will regret it. The Rossoneri with Donnarumma and Calhanoglu on free transfers, lose €150 million in assets. If everyone is happy, that’s fine.”
He gave his perspective on the Rossoneri’s failure to renew the Turk’s contract as well:
“I don’t remember such important contracts being renewed in June. These are deals to be closed much sooner. The more that time passes, the more problems increase.”
“The next player to to leave on a free transfer could be [Rossoneri midfielder Franck] Kessie,” he speculates.
Mirabelli’s closing remarks on Calhanoglu are as follows:
“Inter fans always welcome top players with open arms. With him the Scudetto holders Inter will become stronger.”