Inter and Calhanoglu to Continue Together Next Season

Key Takeaways:

• Hakan Calhanoglu will remain at Inter for the 2026/27 season under his current contract, which runs until 2027
• The club and player could not reach agreement on an extension due to salary demands and Oaktree’s policy on players over 30
• Cristian Chivu played a pivotal role in convincing the board to keep Calhanoglu

Calhanoglu Stays: Inter Preserves Midfield Stability

Hakan Calhanoglu’s tenure at Inter has been secured for at least one more season, with the club deciding to keep the Turkish international for the 2026/27 campaign. This move was confirmed despite sustained deadlock over a contract extension, as the parties were unable to agree terms surpassing the midfielder’s existing arrangement, which is set to expire in 2027. The decision marks a pragmatic compromise, as reported by FCInter1908, and ensures continuity in Inter’s midfield for the near future.

🚨🇹🇷 Inter and Hakan Çalhanoglu plan has not changed, the intention is to continue together next season.

As exclusively revealed by his agent last week, Çalha’s ready to stay and Inter also want him to continue.

Contract topic (expiring in June 2027) to be discussed later on. pic.twitter.com/jda4As9Lai

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 22, 2026

Contract Extension Talks Stalled by Club Policy

Calhanoglu was reportedly seeking to renew his deal under the same or improved terms, maintaining his €6.5 million per season salary. However, Inter owner Oaktree has enforced clear limitations regarding contract renewals for players over 30 years of age, in addition to a preference for signing younger talents. This left no scope for a lucrative new deal, but both the club and player have agreed to see out the current contract. The door is still open for a longer-term arrangement, should circumstances shift in the future or if Calhanoglu is prepared to accept a reduced wage.

Cristian Chivu’s Influence and Dressing Room Dynamics

Inter manager Cristian Chivu has been instrumental in steering the club’s decision to retain Calhanoglu. Describing the midfielder as integral to his tactical plans, Chivu’s opinions weighed heavily in discussions with the hierarchy. As detailed by Corriere dello Sport, the Romanian coach also helped mediate a notable fallout between Calhanoglu and Lautaro Martinez during the summer, further reinforcing his leadership within the dressing room.

Impact and Performance Statistics

Despite periods of physical vulnerability throughout the season – with Calhanoglu missing 13 matches due to injury and a couple more as precautions – his impact on the pitch has remained significant. The midfielder has tallied 12 goals and seven assists, justifying Inter’s reluctance to entertain offers from other clubs, including persistent calls from Galatasaray.