Inter Milan are negotiating with Al-Hilal to sign Joao Cancelo ahead of the Napoli clash
Italian press reports have revealed intensive and serious moves by the management of Inter Milan, aimed at signing the right-back of Al-Hilal, the Portuguese star Joao Cancelo, during the current winter transfer window, in a deal that could bring the player back to the Italian league again.
According to the famous Italian newspaper “La Gazzetta dello Sport”, the Nerazzurri management has placed Cancelo at the top of its priorities to strengthen the right flank, as the club aims to sign the player for 6 months on loan until the end of the season, taking advantage of his current situation and his exclusion from the local list of Al-Hilal club.
A race against time before the Napoli summit
The Italian club's management, led by president Giuseppe Marotta and sporting director Piero Ausilio, is striving to finalize the deal as quickly as possible. The primary objective of this haste is to ensure the Portuguese international is available for the crucial and highly anticipated match against Napoli, scheduled for the 11th of this month. This game is considered pivotal in the Serie A title race, and coach Simone Inzaghi hopes to leverage Cancelo's vast experience to bolster the team's chances of retaining the championship.
A possible return to Serie A
João Cancelo is no stranger to Serie A or even Inter Milan. He previously wore the Inter jersey during the 2017-2018 season on loan from Valencia, delivering outstanding performances that established him as one of the world's best full-backs before his subsequent moves to Juventus and then Manchester City. This history makes his return an ideal option from a tactical perspective, as he wouldn't need much time to adapt to Italian football or the demanding tactics of Serie A, making him a "ready-made" option in Inzaghi's squad, which relies heavily on attacking wingers.
Financial details and obstacles
Reports indicate that the financial aspect is the biggest challenge in the deal, as Cancelo's contract with Al-Hilal runs until 2027, with a net salary estimated at €15 million annually, in addition to bonuses. Given the financial constraints, Inter Milan has expressed its willingness to cover a maximum net salary of €3 million during the loan period, with Al-Hilal covering the remaining amount, estimated at around €4.5 million for the six-month period.
Agents' moves and Barcelona's stance
The report added that Inter Milan's management is in direct and continuous contact with the player's agent, the renowned Portuguese Jorge Mendes, to discuss the possibility of finalizing the deal and await the player's final decision regarding his future. In a related development, the path seems clear for Inter after the withdrawal of their rivals. The website "Football Espana" reported that Barcelona is now completely abandoning the idea of re-signing Cancelo, limiting their interest to inquiring about his situation without entering into formal negotiations. This strengthens the chances of the Portuguese star's return to Italian football.
