We take a look at what Hakan Calhanoglu could bring to Chelsea if he makes his way to London during the summer transfer window.
Antonio Conte has revitalised Chelsea and is seemingly taking the club to unprecedented heights in the Premier League. His tactical acumen, his man-management skills and most of all his passion have all played a key role in the revival of the Blues.
There are likely to be some new players arriving at Chelsea in the summer and one of them might be Hakan Calhanoglu, a name Bundesliga fans are all too familiar with.
The past few weeks have seen Chelsea heavily linked with the Turkish midfield maestro. He was apparently falsely quoted by a Turkish media outlet which claimed he said: “God willing I will be a Chelsea player next season”.
He denied speaking with any “Turkish Journalist” about wanting to join the London outfit, but despite the denial, it’s worth noting that he didn’t rule out a move to Stamford Bridge in the process as he simply rebuffed the false statement.
More from The Pride of London
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea player ratings: Abysmal, reckless, wasteful
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea: 3 Blues talking points
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 1 Blue Mauricio Pochettino should drop
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 3 Blues who must start
- Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Bournemouth: Palmer starts in 4-2-3-1
The Court of Arbitration for sport recently upheld the ban imposed by FIFA for a breach of contract with Trabzonspor. Thus, Bayer Leverkusen will be without Calhanoglu for the remainder of the season. He’s done what many perceive to be a kind gesture by waiving his salary for the duration of the ban.
Calhanoglu’s influence at Leverkusen will be missed for the next four months, and maybe beyond that, seeing as a potential move to Chelsea still remains on the cards.
Prior to his ban, Calhanoglu, 22, was nothing short of superb for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. He scored six goals and registered five assists in 15 appearances, including one from the bench.
Ninth-placed Leverkusen are currently undergoing a sporadic season as their form has fluctuated to a point of worry. Calhanoglu’s showings, though, have been somewhat stable. This is similar to how Willian was able to single-handedly galvanise Chelsea in a fairly consistent manner in the midst of last term’s dismal spell.
Going into a Chelsea side at peak performance levels, Calhanoglu’s main challenge would probably be coping with the team’s intensity.
He’s quite similar to Mesut Ozil in many ways; country of birth, creativity and style of play as he often moves on the pitch in a calm and calculative manner.
More from Chelsea FC News
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 1 Blue Mauricio Pochettino should drop
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 3 Blues who must start
- Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Bournemouth: Palmer starts in 4-2-3-1
- Chelsea sporting directors finally reveal why they sign so many young players
- These 3 new signings may never get a game at Chelsea
Whilst that’s a good tendency, it also means his intensity off the ball could be called into question. But lest we forget, Antonio Conte is no Arsene Wenger, and just as he’s transformed Chelsea’s current crop of players, he can have a similar effect on Calhanoglu.
There’s an added incentive attached to acquiring Calhanoglu’s services – his set-piece ability. Many Chelsea fans might argue that David Luiz and Willian are already in the side, but despite that, Hakan is still the sort of player you’d want standing over a ball from 30 yards out.
How Would He Fit Into the Team?
The Turkey international’s arrival might raise a furore as Calhanoglu could usurp Willian’s role in the team.
Willian and Pedro have been used interchangeably by Conte this season. A potential move for Calhanoglu could see that arrangement interrupted with Willian likely to fall down the pecking order as a result.
We could then see Pedro and Hakan battle it out for the number one role on the right flank whilst Willian is used sparingly by Conte or makes his way out of the team in a bid to get regular playing time elsewhere.
What do you think of Hakan Calhanoglu? Is he a player worth pursuing? Let us know in the comments below!