Italian journalist Maurizio Pistocchi has praised Inter for the signing of midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu from city rivals AC Milan.
Speaking in an interview with Italian news outlet Pillole di Calcio, reported by FCInter1908, the former Mediaset journalist gave his thoughts about the transfer of the Turkish playmaker.
Calhanoglu’s arrival at Inter was relatively sudden by the standards of modern football transfers, with the player having been announced virtually before there was time for rumours of his move to amass.
The player’s contract with the Rossoneri was set to run out and there was no agreement on a renewal, and the Nerazzurri acted quickly to bring the 27-year-old in, with the midfielder thought to be a replacement for the stricken Christian Eriksen within the squad.
Based on the Turk’s form with Milan during his four years in Serie A, Pistocchi believes that he is both a major loss for his former club, and an important acquisition for the Nerazzurri.
He states, “Inter made a great deal in taking Calhanoglu on a free transfer. In that position he replaces Eriksen, and at Milan he was able to do well.”
Pistocchi also gives his thoughts on the departure of Achraf Hakimi, arguing that while the Moroccan will be missed he is not as significant of a loss as a goal-scorer would have been:
“Inter won the title, but had to immediately sell one of their most important players, although I always believe that the most difficult player to replace is the one who scores goals, rather than a winger or a full-back.”
