Recent Italian media reports indicate that Inter Milan are making intensive efforts to re-sign Portuguese star João Cancelo, the right-back for Saudi club Al-Hilal, during the current winter transfer window. These moves are part of the Italian club's strategy to bolster their squad with experienced players capable of making an immediate impact in the second half of the season.
Offer details and deadline
According to the renowned Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter Milan's management has already opened communication channels with Jorge Mendes, the player's agent, with the aim of accelerating negotiations. Inter officials have set January 11th as the target date for finalizing the deal, in order to ensure the player's availability for the crucial match against Napoli, a game that could significantly shape the Serie A title race this season.
The financial obstacle and Al-Hilal's position
The report indicated a financial obstacle that the Italian club is attempting to overcome through negotiation. Inter Milan will request that Al-Hilal cover the majority of the Portuguese player's salary. The Italian club's officials believe that paying 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. This request coincides with reports that Al-Hilal's manager does not currently consider re-registering the player in the domestic squad a top priority.
A possible return to Serie A and the player's history
The Italian league is no stranger to João Cancelo, as he has extensive experience in Serie A. He previously wore the Inter Milan jersey during the 2017/2018 season when he joined them on loan from Valencia, delivering impressive performances that contributed to the team's qualification for the Champions League. He also had a successful stint with Juventus, making him an ideal option for coach Simone Inzaghi, who relies heavily on attacking full-backs in his tactical plans.
Cancelo's numbers with Al-Hilal
It is worth noting that Al-Hilal signed the 31-year-old player in the summer transfer window of the 2024/2025 season, acquiring him from Manchester City in a lucrative deal. This season, the international full-back has made six appearances for the "Leaders," scoring one goal and providing two assists in 469 minutes of play. However, recent tactical changes and the quota for foreign players may hasten his return to European football.
