Hakan Calhanoglu: His 2020 stats amid Manchester United rumours

Nicholas Hughes

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 2 min read

Hakan Calhanoglu has been linked with a potential free transfer to Manchester United next summer as his stock in European football continues to rise.

The 26-year-old has been a revelation at AC Milan in recent seasons as the Rossoneri currently sit top of the table in Serie A.

The former Bayer Leverkusen man enjoyed one of his most prolific campaigns last time out, with 11 goals and 10 assists in 47 appearances across domestic, European and international football.

This was his highest goal tally for five seasons, dating back to his time in Germany, as the Turkish international has now become a key member of Stefano Pioli’s resurgent Milan outfit.

A playmaker and set-piece specialist, Calhanoglu has consistently exceeded 80% passing accuracy and is currently averaging 2.5 key passes per game in Serie A, according to InStat.

Calhanoglu has increased his chance creation over the past two seasons, going at more than one chance created per match in three of his four seasons in Italy, and has also improved his dribble success rate, so far at 69% for this season.

Could Calhanoglu match Bruno’s impact at United?

Early on in this campaign, the Turk averages the same amount of passes P90 as Bruno Fernandes while boasting a higher success rate, more key passes and more dribbles P90 in all competitions than United’s Portuguese maestro.

Fernandes has been vital for the Red Devils since arriving from Sporting Lisbon in January, and perhaps they feel Calhanoglu can have a similar effect.

At 26 years of age, Calhanoglu is yet to reach his prime and has years ahead of him at the top level. If he continues in this form and can guide Milan to the Scudetto, he might just be the prize-signing of next summer if he decides to walk for free.