Inter’s Acerbi to Al Hilal as Cancelo’s Loan Could Seal the Winter Deal

Acerbi's Move to Al Hilal in the Winter Window

Francesco Acerbi, the Italian defender from Inter Milan, has agreed to join Al Hilal in the current winter transfer window. The move sits within Inter's broader plan to balance payroll while reshaping their back line for the second half of the season.

Inter also hopes to bring Cancelo, the Portugal international who is currently on loan to Inter from Al Hilal, to the Italian club for the rest of the season, providing an immediate upgrade at right back while Denzel Dumfries recovers from injury.

According to the Italian press, Inter believe Cancelo would make an immediate impact and ease the wait for Dumfries to return. In the proposed arrangement, Inter could send one of Stefan de Vrij or Acerbi to Al Hilal as part of the concessions, with Al Hilal covering part of Cancelo's wages during the loan.

Acerbi would then wear the Al Hilal shirt and reunite with coach Simone Inzaghi, with their Lazio days forming a strong working bond. The talks are moving forward, with a resolution expected next week; Cancelo has not opposed a return to Inter but currently prioritizes a January move to Barcelona, which may be hampered by Barca's finances in the winter window.

Barcelona's limited budget under Financial Fair Play remains a hurdle for new signings, while Inter weighs the balance of replacing a long-term injury and the potential to send a player to Al Hilal as part of the deal.

Acerbi's move would mark a fresh start in the Saudi club's defense, and the negotiations continue to evolve as the calendar turns. Negotiations are expected to conclude soon, keeping fans in suspense about who wears the shirt next week.

Acerbi's arrival would coincide with Inzaghi's good rapport with the Lazio connection, and Inter hope to close the picture in the coming days.

Punchline 1: This transfer saga is moving slower than a sniper taking aim at a calendar—blink and you miss the headline.

Punchline 2: If drama paid wages, this mercato would be paid in full by now.