Juventus and Inter Milan Cautious Over Joao Cancelo Move As Portuguese Star Seeks Monstrous Salary
Joao Cancelo's move back to Serie A has been halted after the Portuguese star's huge salary request.
Louis Fargher
Updated on 02 January 2026
Juventus and Inter Milan are ready to compete for Portuguese star Joao Cancelo but both sides are concerned over the 31-year-old’s monstrous salary demands.
Joao Cancelo Seeks Saudi Arabia Exit
After just 16-months in Saudi Arabia Joao Cancelo is seeking a move away due to a reported falling-out with Al Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi.
The former Manchester City star moved to Saudi Arabia in August 2024 for €25million, going on to register 17 goals contributions in 45 appearances (3G + 14A).
Despite these impressive numbers, Cancelo’s overall spell in Saudi Arabia has failed to meet expectations as Al Hilal are still on the search for silverware since the Portuguese star arrived.
Falling out with the Al Hilal boss has sparked rumors over a return to Europe during the January transfer window and Cancelo could be in line for a return to Serie A.
The 31-year-old has history in Italy’s top-flight after spells with Juventus and Inter Milan, winning the Scudetto with Juve in 2018/19.
Both of these sides have declared an interest in the Portuguese international, as Inter are ready to hand Cristian Chivu a full reset and Spalletti enters his first window as Juventus manager.
The Nerazzurri currently sit top of Serie A after four consecutive wins, but are looking to strengthen in January after a recent injury crisis – which saw Denzel Dumfries require ankle surgery.
Inter will be without their star full-back for the remainder of this season and Chivu is focused on bringing in a suitable replacement in January.
However, both Juventus and Inter have been left concerned over the Portuguese star’s wage demands – as Cancelo is currently one of the highest paid players in Saudi Arabia.
Juventus and Inter Milan Cautious Over Joao Cancelo Salary
Players in the Saudi Pro League tend to have monstrous salaries and this is no different for Cancelo, as the Portuguese star is currently earning a reported €15.3m per year.
Only two players in Serie A boast a superior total, as Dusan Vlahovic and Lautaro Martinez remain the two highest paid players in Italy.
Interestingly, both of these stars play for Cancelo’s potential suitors and Vlahovic’s future could play a major role in Juventus’ pursuit this month.
The Serbian is currently recovering from an adductor surgery and is expected to be out until the latter stages of the season, which coincides with his contract coming to an end.
Juventus are also focusing on Kenan Yildiz’s contract extension alongside Vlahovic’s situation before moving in for Cancelo and the Portuguese star’s salary has caused an issue.
As for Inter, matching Cancelo’s salary demands appears to be unlikely and the Nerazzurri are reportedly hoping to agree a six-month loan deal – meaning Al Hilal would cover the majority of his wage bill.
Louis Fargher
Louis has been an avid soccer enthusiast for multiple years and boasts knowledge across several leagues in Europe - including Serie A. Louis holds a degree in Soccer Journalism and has produced content for multiple clubs in the United Kingdom.
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