Overview
- Inter have a verbal agreement in principle with Al‑Hilal for a dry loan, with the Saudis prepared to cover a large share of João Cancelo’s remaining wages, and have asked the player for a decision by next week.
- Francesco Acerbi has given approval to move to Al‑Hilal in a parallel operation that could help unlock the deal, with Stefan de Vrij cited as an alternative outgoing option.
- Cancelo has been left out of Al‑Hilal’s squad lists, prefers a return to Barcelona, and is said to be willing to contribute to his salary to rejoin European football.
- Barcelona leaders plan a meeting between Joan Laporta, Deco and Hansi Flick to settle their stance, with reporting that Laporta has contacted Cancelo even as Flick prioritises a left‑footed central defender.
- LaLiga financial constraints mean Barcelona realistically have room to register only one significant addition in January, and other centre‑back options such as Marcos Senesi and Tiago Gabriel have been explored with varying feasibility.