Cristi Chivu is pushing for Cancelo's transfer » What an obstacle has appeared and when he could debut at Inter!
Article by Daniel Scorpie – Published on Thursday, 01 January 2026, 21:45 / Updated on Thursday, 01 January 2026 21:45
João Cancelo (31 years old), Al-Hilal's right-back, could return, after seven and a half seasons, to Inter. Interthe Portuguese international, who quarreled with coach Simone Inzaghi at Al-Hilal, is only waiting for the Nerazzurri to reach an agreement with the Saudi club for the distribution of the salary. crystal Chivu they hope to have him available for the Napoli derby on January 11.
The Serie A leaders have problems on the right wing due to the long-term absence of Denzel Dumfries. The Dutchman had an ankle operation and will have to wait until the spring to recover, which is why Inter are urgently looking for a valuable replacement.
The Nerazzurri have also found him in Saudi Arabia and he is not very expensive either. Inter discussed with Al-Hilal the terms of a loan for Joao Cancelo. Barcelona and Juventus have also shown interest in the Portuguese international, who has been persuaded to return to Serie A.
28of matches played by Joao Cancelo in the 2017-2018 season at Inter, for which he managed one goal and four assists
“The club chose the Portuguese, deciding the opportunity was too good to pass up and to give Chivu a quality alternative on the right, and it will be crucial for Inter to hurry up.
Joao Cancelo (in white) at the Club World Cup / Photo: Imago
Inter can't afford to pay Joao Cancelo even half of his annual salary of 15 million € from Al-Hilal!
Contacts on the Milan-Riyadh axis were also maintained at the New Year, when there was a day of rest for the team, which will return to training at Appiano Gentile on Friday, and discussions with the Portuguese's agent, Jorge Mendes, are frequent,” writes Gazzetta dello Sport.
The pink daily reveals that, given the very busy calendar, “the key game to bet on for Cancelo's return to Inter could be the one with Napoli from 11″.
But there is one obstacle: “Cancelo has a salary of 15 million euros net per season. The amount received by the Portuguese would obviously be divided in two, but even this quota is not affordable. So the financial support from Al-Hilal to support this salary will be crucial.
The reasons why Inter need to hurry are two: to beat the competition from other teams who have their eyes on Cancelo (especially Barcelona, but not to be neglected Benfica) and to immediately provide Chivu with a player in the area of the field where Dumfries is missing and where Luis Henrique (despite the progress shown) has not been able to give the confidence and consistency that the Dutchman has offered”.
