Cristi Chivu misses the first transfer since 2026 » Joao Cancelo turns his back on Inter and is ready to sign!
Article by Daniel Scorpie – Published on Monday, 05 January 2026, 20:41 / Updated on Monday, 05 January 2026 20:45
Turnaround in the negotiations for the transfer of Joao Cancelo from Al-Hilal. Barcelona have made a bid for the 31-year-old Portuguese right-back, according to exclusive reports from mercato specialist Fabrizio Romano and daily Mundo Deportivo, and he has chosen the Spanish champions over Cristi Chivu's Inter!
Inter had reached an agreement with Al-Hilal on the loan of Joao Cancelo, which Al-Hilal coach no longer needs, including the share of the salary (40% of the amount corresponding to the six months), i.e. 3 million euros, paid to the Portuguese.
Only the right-back prefers a move to Spain and, according to all information, Joao Cancelo chose to play in 2026 at FC Barcelona. The Catalans want to bring back the 31-year-old Portugal international, proposing a loan deal until the end of the season and covering a small part of his considerable wages.
One of the biggest assets is his agent, Jorge Mendes, who is very close to the president Laporta and Deco and who is fighting to make his player's dream a reality. Now we'll see if everything goes according to plan
– Mundo DeportivoCatalan daily
Mundo Deportivo: “Cancelo prefers Barcelona and seems the best option, which would not violate financial fair play”
Mundo Deportivo cites sources from the footballer's entourage, who “he considers a return to Barcelona certain. The player himself wants to leave Al-Hilal and is willing to give up a significant amount of money for the transfer to materialize.”
Joao Cancelo (left) would also be tempted by a return to Barcelona. Photo: Imago Images
Cancelo has already spent one season at the club, in the 2023-2024 season, when he was on loan from Manchester City. In the summer of 2024, Barcelona sporting director Deco tried to keep him as the first choice for the right flank of the defence.
But then, the “citizens” didn't want any more loans and were looking to recover some of the money invested in the Portuguese. Thus, the circumstances were not favorable, and he he was sold to Al-Hilal for 25 million euros.
Barcelona are looking in this winter mercato to strengthen themselves with a new defender, and at the moment Cancelo seems the best possible option, which would not violate financial fair play.
