Key Takeaways:
- Okan Buruk emphasised Galatasaray’s continued ambition to bring Hakan Calhanoglu to Istanbul despite last summer’s failed transfer
- The Galatasaray boss provided insights into his thoughts on facing Juventus in the Champions League
- Buruk also commented on the recent controversy involving Pierre Kalulu’s red card in the Derby d’Italia
Galatasaray Maintain Pursuit of Calhanoglu
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has renewed hopes for Turkish international Hakan Calhanoglu to join the club at some point in the future. Although the midfielder, currently at Inter, was strongly tipped to make a move to Istanbul last summer, negotiations did not result in a transfer. Still, Buruk made it clear that Galatasaray’s interest has not waned and that the club would welcome Calhanoglu with open arms should an opportunity arise.
🟡🔴🇹🇷 Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk: “I know Hakan Çalhanoglu very well, it’s been 15 years or so… we know he’s a Galatasaray fan”.
“We wait for him to join Gala with open arms!”, told Gazzetta dello Sport. pic.twitter.com/Lh3D96kruC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 16, 2026
Champions League Clash and Juventus Assessment
As Galatasaray prepare to face Juventus in the Champions League, Buruk underlined his appreciation of the Italian side’s performances this season. He noted Juventus’s ability to play well regardless of results, specifically referencing their recent fixture against Atalanta and sharing his impressions of their overall strategy and determination on the pitch.
Kalulu’s Red Card Incident Addressed
Buruk also spoke about the controversy following Pierre Kalulu’s sending off in the Derby d’Italia against Inter. Weighing in, he publicly questioned the decision and expressed surprise at the card shown under those circumstances.
