Newcastle United should act quickly to sign Hakan Calhanoglu

AC Milan have set their price for Hakan Calhanoglu and it is one that Newcastle United can afford without a problem.

Newcastle United are reportedly close to completing a massive deal worth £36m for Hoffenheim striker Joelinton, but one key signing will not be enough to save the Magpies’ season. AC Milan are looking to sell Hakan Calhanoglu and CalcioMercato are claiming that the Italian giants will accept an offer of £18m for his services.

Newcastle United currently have six central midfielders on the roster as a result of Jack Colback and Henri Saivet returning from loan. Although the Magpies have depth in that position, they lack quality and it would not be a surprise to see Colback and Saivet go out on loans, and Isaac Hayden is desperate for a transfer to move closer to his family in southern England. That being said, Calhanoglu would be a solid addition for the Toon as the Turkish international is young, talented and experienced.

Calhanoglu has spent most of his career in Germany as he played for Karlsruher, Hamburg and Bayer Leverkusen before moving to AC Milan in 2017. The 25-year-old gained popularity while playing for Bayer Leverkusen, where he scored 17 goals in 79 appearances, and he maintained his reputation as a promising midfielder under the lights of the San Siro. At the international level, Calhanoglu is known for being a key player for Turkey and he has made 41 caps for his nation since 2013.

He has been in decent form for the Rossoneri and made 34 league appearances for the club last season, scoring three goals and providing six assists, but it seems as though the front office is seeking an upgrade in midfield. Calhanoglu has been used in central midfield, but has also been utilized as a false nine winger down the left flank. He is known for his superior passing and for his impressive shooting accuracy, especially from distance. Time and time again, Calhanoglu has shown that he is one of the most dangerous midfielders in Europe when he gets a good look at goal from far out, especially from set pieces.

At 25-years-old, Calhanoglu is just about to reach his peak and a move to the Premier League would be perfect for him. His style of play is built for the Premier League and with players like Miguel Almiron and Matt Ritchie on the roster he would enjoy setting them up with long balls as they cut inside the penalty area. His arrival would also keep players like Jonjo Shelvey, Sean Longstaff and Ki Sung-yueng on their toes and force them to earn playing time. On paper, he would be the first central midfielder on the team sheet each weekend.

Moreover, his experience playing in the Champions League with Bayer Leverkusen and in the Europa League with AC Milan would bring some insightful experience to the squad. Is he the type of player who will elevate the status of the club? Not significantly, but he would be a respectable signing that keeps Newcastle United in that mid-table discussion.