Inter Reach Joao Cancelo Agreement With Al-Hilal: What Happens Next
The Nerazzurri are halfway there...
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 06 January 2026
Inter have reached a verbal agreement with Al-Hilal to bring Joao Cancelo back to Serie A, according to reports.
Inter make Al-Hilal breakthrough but Joao Cancelo yet to decide
Cancelo has been pushing for a January move after falling out with Al-Hilal head coach Simone Inzaghi.
The 31-year-old has been largely frozen out of the squad, appearing only in Asian Champions League fixtures.
Meanwhile, Inter are on the lookout for reinforcements at full-back following Denzel Dumfries’ injury layoff.
Now, Sky Sport Italia have reported that Inter and Al-Hilal have verbally settled on broad terms.
The proposed package would include Inter sending one of Francesco Acerbi or Stefan de Vrij to Al-Hilal.
The deal should progress quickly if Cancelo gives the green light, but Inter face an anxious wait in the meantime.
Cancelo has asked for one or two days to decide, with Sky reporting a verdict is expected within 48 hours.
The 31-year-old’s priority remains Barcelona, who have reiterated their interest in recent hours, added the report.
Why Inter want Cancelo now – and what happens next
Inter’s interest has been sharpened by Dumfries’ ankle injury, with the Netherlands wing-back likely to be sidelined for several weeks.
Cancelo would offer immediate cover on either side, and his experience would give Inter a ready-made option in the title run-in.
The Portugal international previously spent the 2017-18 season on loan at Inter and remains admired for his technical quality and attacking output.
However, the financial side is key.
Sky say the agreement with Al-Hilal is designed to make the numbers work, with a player exchange helping reduce the overall cost.
In addition, Cancelo reportedly earns around €15m net per season, so Al-Hilal could subsidise his wages out on loan.
The biggest stumbling block at present, however, is Barcelona, and whether they can strike a deal with Cancelo and Al-Hilal.
For now, Inter are willing to wait for Cancelo’s decision. However, they also want clarity quickly as January options can disappear fast.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte is a sports journalist with over a decade of professional experience in the industry. His main professional expertise is in soccer. Prior to joining FootItalia, he worked for the likes of Sports Mole, TBR Football, the Chelsea Chronicle and numerous other sites, along with having bylines in the likes of the Nottingham Post. He holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
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