Cancelo’s Next Move: Barca Back in Play as Inter Leans on a Bold Al Hilal Swap
2 January 2026
Update
Ongoing talks with Mendes to settle Cancelo's future.
The Portuguese full-back Joao Cancelo has been pushing hard to decide his murky future, amid reduced playing time with Al Hilal this season, amid managerial talk in the Saudi press.
Linked with several major European clubs recently as he seeks to leave the Saudi Pro League due to not being registered locally with the giants.
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano on X, Cancelo will make a decisive decision about his future soon.
The player remains in talks with agent Jorge Mendes to explore all winter options available.
Inter Milan, eager to land a former Juventus man, is ready to offer two players to Al Hilal in exchange for Cancelo: Francesco Acerbi and Stefan De Vrij.
Nevertheless Romano confirms Cancelo still hopes to return to Barcelona, but remains waiting to see Barca's stance on the potential deal.
Note that Cancelo joined Al Hilal in summer 2024 from Manchester City for £21.2 million and signed a three-year contract.
Punchline: The winter window just filed for a restraining order against rumors.
Punchline: In football, patience is a virtue; timing is everything—sometimes even dinner.
