Calhanoglu would be great for Newcastle United, but not his wage demands

Newcastle United target Hakan Calhanoglu’s wage demands would make him the top earner on Tyneside.

Newcastle United finally have a lethal finisher leading the front line, but more creativity is still needed in midfield as Allan Saint-Maximin cannot be the only go-to playmaker. Jonjo Shelvey does a good job of coordinating most attacks in the middle of the park, but injuries seem to pile up for him every few months.

Isaac Hayden is a talented defensive midfielder, but his contribution in the final third is minimal. The Longstaff brothers have enjoyed some good days at the office as starters, but the team needs a true playmaker with great vision and an eye for goal if they want to regularly fight for a place among the top ten.

That is why Newcastle United have been keeping a close eye on AC Milan’s attacking midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu. The Magpies considered making a move for the Turkish international a few months ago, but the club decided to go for two free signings in Jeff Hendrick and Matty Longstaff instead.

Well, Calhanoglu might be available for free next summer, which is when his contract with the Italian giants expires, and he would be a great addition to the squad. The problem, however, is centered on his wages.

According to a new report from Tuttosport (via HITC), Calhanoglu’s agent informed AC Milan that he will gladly extend his stay at the San Siro if he earns £100,000 a week, which is reportedly £40,000 more than what AC Milan have offered him. Wages are always a tricky bargain, especially for a club like Newcastle United.

However, the Magpies’ front office has surprised many fans and pundits with their latest deals and internal negotiations. Multiple players have seen their weekly wages increase significantly in recent months, most notably Allan Saint-Maximin.

Callum Wilson is the highest paid player at the club for now, and he is proving to be worth every penny with six goals to his name in eight games.

With 18 goals and 22 assists on the stat sheet in 109 Serie A appearances, Calhanoglu is certainly capable of improving Newcastle United’s offensive efficiency, but becoming the top earner without having proven his skills in England will be a tough ask.

His record and experience as a player in Germany, Italy, and at the international level with Turkey help his case, but maybe Newcastle United can pull off a deal by making Calhanoglu one of the top three or four highest paid players in the squad.