Reliable Italian media reports indicate that Inter Milan are making serious and intensive efforts to finalize the signing of Portuguese full-back João Cancelo from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal during the current winter transfer window. These moves are part of the Nerazzurri's strategy to bolster their squad with experienced players capable of making an immediate impact.
Financial offer details and salary breakdown
According to the Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter Milan's management has drawn up a detailed financial plan to discuss with Jorge Mendes, the player's agent. The offer includes a loan deal for Cancelo until the end of the current season, with the Italian club proposing to cover €3 million of the player's salary, while Al-Hilal would pay the remaining €4.5 million.
The negotiations are being led on the Italian side by the senior management duo, Beppe Marotta, the club president, and Piero Ausilio, the sporting director, who are in direct contact with the player’s agent to ensure that the agreement is finalized quickly in the next few days, reflecting the club’s urgent desire for the player’s services.
Motivations for returning and ambitions for the 2026 World Cup
Cancelo's desire to return to Europe goes beyond simply moving between clubs; the player has his sights set on being a regular starter for Portugal in the 2026 World Cup finals. Cancelo realizes that being in a tactically competitive league like the Italian league will boost his chances of securing his international place, especially given the fierce competition for his position.
On the other hand, reports indicate that the technical staff of Al-Hilal Club may not object to the player’s departure, given the desire to rearrange the team’s local and foreign rosters to suit the needs of the next stage of the competitions.
Historical background and Cancelo's figures
The Italian league is not unfamiliar to Cancelo, as he previously wore the Inter Milan jersey in the 2017/2018 season on loan from Valencia, and at that time he presented outstanding performances that made him the focus of attention for the big clubs in Europe, before later moving to Juventus and then Manchester City.
Al-Hilal signed the 31-year-old last summer from Manchester City. During his time with the club this season, Cancelo made six appearances, scoring one goal and providing two assists in 469 minutes of play. However, his desire to return to European football appears to be the primary driver behind the potential transfer.
