Inter Step Up Pursuit of João Cancelo as Barcelona Put Move on Hold

Overview

• João Cancelo is pushing to leave Al‑Hilal for a return to Europe and has instructed agent Jorge Mendes to find a club after falling out of favor under Simone Inzaghi.
• Inter have made Cancelo their primary January target and are in constant contact with Mendes to secure a loan, driven by Denzel Dumfries’ injury and a crowded January schedule.
• Reports differ on formal talks between Inter and Al‑Hilal, with some outlets citing negotiations and others saying contact remains limited to the player’s camp.
• Barcelona lodged an initial enquiry but, per reporting, have paused the pursuit as they are not convinced at this stage, while continuing to monitor the situation.
• Cancelo’s salary, reported around €15–18 million net, is the key obstacle, meaning any deal likely requires a significant Al‑Hilal wage subsidy or a major pay cut.