Reliable Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, an expert on the European transfer market, has dropped a bombshell regarding the future of Portuguese star Joao Cancelo, the right-back for Saudi club Al-Hilal, indicating that there are moves aimed at concluding a major swap deal between "Al-Za'eem" and Italian club Inter Milan during the upcoming winter or summer transfer window.
Details of the proposed exchange offer
According to what Romano posted on his official accounts, Inter Milan's management is showing serious interest in bringing back Joao Cancelo, who previously played in Serie A. The plan proposed by the Italian side involves offering one of their experienced defenders, either Francesco Acerbi or Stefan de Vrij, to Al-Hilal in exchange for the Portuguese full-back.
A possible return to Serie A and previous experience
The Italian league is no stranger to João Cancelo, who boasts a distinguished history in Serie A. He wore the Inter Milan jersey during the 2017-2018 season on loan from Valencia, delivering impressive performances that caught the eye of Juventus, whom he later joined and with whom he won the league title. This prior experience makes Cancelo an ideal choice for coach Simone Inzaghi, who relies heavily on attacking full-backs in Inter Milan's renowned 3-5-2 formation.
What does Al-Hilal gain from the deal?
On the other hand, this deal could represent an opportunity for Al-Hilal to bolster its defense with players possessing extensive European experience. Defender Francesco Acerbi or Dutchman Stefan de Vrij both boast a wealth of international and domestic experience, which could add defensive solidity and tactical versatility to coach Jorge Jesus's squad, especially given the fierce competition both domestically and continentally, and Al-Hilal's desire to maintain its dominance.
The player's desire and Barcelona's stance
Despite the tempting Italian offer, Romano indicated that Cancelo's heart remains with Barcelona, where he enjoyed a successful loan spell. The player is very keen to return to the Blaugrana, but the Catalan club's financial difficulties could hinder the deal, making a return to Italy with Inter Milan the most realistic option at the moment.
Cancelo's contract and market value
It's worth noting that João Cancelo has a contract with Al-Hilal that runs until June 30, 2027, and his current market value is around €10 million according to Transfermarkt. The finalization of this transfer will depend on the ongoing negotiations between his agent, the renowned Jorge Mendes, and the clubs involved in the coming weeks.
