The January transfer window is about to kick off with a massive headline: João Cancelo is expected to leave Al Hilal next month.
Just months after his move to Saudi Arabia, the Portuguese star finds himself at a crossroads that could lead him back to some of Europe’s biggest stages.
Inter Milan Lead the Chase
Inter Milan have emerged as the early frontrunners. The Nerazzurri have reportedly approached Al Hilal to inquire about the conditions for a loan deal.
Inter are exploring the financial structure and feasibility of bringing the 31-year-old back to the San Siro, specifically to address depth issues following the injury to Denzel Dumfries.
For Cancelo, a return to Inter would be a homecoming, having spent a successful loan spell there during the 2017/18 season.
Barcelona and Juventus Monitoring Closely
Inter aren’t the only giants in the mix. Within the last 48 hours, both Barcelona and Juventus have made contact to gather information on Cancelo’s situation.
- Barcelona: Cancelo is reportedly “desperate” to return to the Catalan club where he spent last season. While he is a fan favorite, Hansi Flick is reportedly weighing whether to integrate a veteran back into the squad or continue trusting young talents like Gerard Martín.
- Juventus: The Bianconeri are also in the market for defensive reinforcements and are keeping tabs on their former player as a high-quality, short-term solution.
Why the sudden exit?
The primary driver behind the move is playing time. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Cancelo is determined to maintain high-level match fitness.
Reports suggest Al Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi may not register him for domestic competitions in the second half of the season due to squad limits, leaving Cancelo with no choice but to seek a move.
The biggest hurdle for any European suitor remains his significant salary, which would likely require a substantial pay cut or a shared wage agreement with Al Hilal.
