The past few hours have witnessed rapid developments regarding the future of Portuguese star Joao Cancelo, the right-back for Saudi club Al-Hilal, as Italian league giants Inter Milan and Juventus have entered into a heated race to secure his services during the upcoming winter transfer window.
Intense moves by top Serie A clubs
Reliable media outlets, most notably Sky Sport Italia, have reported that Inter Milan and Juventus officials have opened direct lines of communication with Jorge Mendes, Cancelo's agent, to explore the possibility of his return to Italian football. These moves come as both clubs seek to strengthen their right flank with a player possessing extensive international experience and prior knowledge of Serie A.
Financial obstacles and conditions for completing the deal
Despite the strong interest, the path to completing the deal is not without its challenges. The main obstacle lies in Cancelo's hefty salary at Al-Hilal, which amounts to €18 million net per season. This figure is considered far beyond the current financial limits of Italian clubs.
The report indicated that finalizing the deal hinges on two essential and indispensable steps:
- First: Al-Hilal Club agrees to bear part of the player's salary during the loan or transfer period.
- Second: Cancelo showed financial flexibility and agreed to reduce his financial demands to return to Europe.
Historical background: Cancelo and his Serie A experience
The Italian league is no stranger to the Portuguese international, who boasts a rich history there. Cancelo previously wore the Inter Milan jersey in the 2017/2018 season on loan from Valencia, where he delivered impressive performances. He later moved to Juventus, contributing to their success before his departure to Manchester City. This prior experience makes him a technically sound option for coaches in Italy, as he wouldn't need time to adapt to Serie A's rigid defensive tactics.
Al-Hilal and Barcelona's stance on the deal
This interest comes at a time when reports indicate that Al-Hilal's manager may not object to the player's departure, especially given his stated preference against re-registering Cancelo in the team's domestic squad, which opens the door for his exit. Al-Hilal signed the 31-year-old last summer from Manchester City, and he has made six appearances this season, scoring one goal and providing two assists.
On the other hand, FC Barcelona continues to closely monitor the situation, having previously expressed interest in signing the player who played for them on loan, but the Catalan club has not yet taken any official steps or entered into serious negotiations due to its economic situation.
