The transfer saga of the winter has reached its conclusion: João Cancelo is returning to FC Barcelona.
In a dramatic turn of events, the Portuguese international has secured his move back to Catalonia, effectively “snubbing” a verbal agreement that was already in place between Inter Milan and Al Hilal.
Despite Inter’s aggressive push—which included a proposed swap involving Stefan de Vrij or Francesco Acerbi—Cancelo’s stance remained firm: he only wanted Barça.
The Financial Breakthrough
Barcelona’s board, led by Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco, worked tirelessly over the last 48 hours to find a formula that satisfied both the Saudi giants and La Liga’s strict financial regulations.
- The Fee: Barcelona will pay a €4 million loan fee to Al Hilal.
- Salary Coverage: Barça will cover a portion of Cancelo’s wages, with the player reportedly taking a significant pay cut to ensure the move fit within the club’s remaining salary cap (aided by the long-term injury to Andreas Christensen).
- Duration: A straight loan until June 2026.
A Tactical Pivot for Hansi Flick
While Hansi Flick was initially focused on signing a center-back, the opportunity to bring back a player who already knows the “Barça DNA” was too good to pass up.
- Versatility: Cancelo’s ability to play at both right-back and left-back provides vital depth.
- The Koundé Shift: His arrival likely allows Jules Koundé to move back into his preferred central defensive role, solving Flick’s center-back shortage in one move.
What This Means for Inter
For Inter Milan, the “domino effect” has collapsed. Since Cancelo rejected the move, the proposed departures of De Vrij or Acerbi to Saudi Arabia are now off the table.
The Nerazzurri are expected to shift their focus to Fiorentina’s Dodô as they search for a replacement for the injured Denzel Dumfries.
Cancelo is expected in Barcelona tonight for medical tests and to sign his contract at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.
