Italian media reports indicate rapid progress in Inter Milan's negotiations with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal for the services of veteran Portuguese full-back João Cancelo during the current winter transfer window. These moves come as the Italian club seeks to bolster its squad with an experienced player familiar with Serie A.
A race against time before the Napoli showdown
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter Milan have set a deadline to finalize the deal, with club officials keen to complete the transfer before January 11th. This urgency stems from the importance of their upcoming match against Napoli, a pivotal game in the Serie A title race. Coach Simone Inzaghi is eager to secure Cancelo's presence in his tactical plans for this crucial encounter, especially given the player's previous experience in Italian football.
Salary obstacle and financial negotiation
Despite the strong technical desire, the financial aspect presents a challenge in the negotiations. According to the report, Inter Milan's management will ask Al-Hilal to cover the majority of the Portuguese player's salary. The Italian side believes that even half of Cancelo's salary for the remainder of his contract would place a significant financial burden on the club's budget, necessitating a mutually agreeable loan arrangement that avoids straining the Italian club's finances.
Al-Hilal's position and return to Serie A
These negotiations coincide with reports indicating that Al-Hilal's Portuguese coach, Jorge Jesus, does not currently consider his compatriot a first-choice player in the team's domestic squad, thus opening the door for his departure. Al-Hilal signed Cancelo (31 years old) last summer from Manchester City, where he has only made six appearances, scoring one goal and providing two assists.
Cancelo's history and international experience
It's worth noting that Cancelo's potential return to Inter Milan carries special significance, as he previously wore the club's jersey during the 2017/2018 season on loan from Valencia, delivering impressive performances before subsequently moving to Juventus, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona. This illustrious career makes him a valuable addition to any team, given his ability to play as a right and left full-back, and his proficiency in the attacking roles that Inzaghi relies on in his 3-5-2 formation.
