Al-Hilal Must Make Sales Before Pursuing Move For Inter Milan Veterans; Even If Ex Barcelona Star Leaves | OneFootball

Any potential move involving Joao Cancelo and Inter Milan would first require Al-Hilal to resolve an important regulatory obstacle to sign Stefan de Vrij or Francesco Acerbi.

As reported by Corriere della Sera, even if Cancelo were to leave the Saudi club and return to Europe, Al-Hilal would still need to offload another foreign player.

Indeed, before completing any deal for an Inter defender.

Under Saudi Pro League regulations, clubs are permitted to register a maximum of eight foreign players.

It is a quota Al-Hilal have already reached.

Cancelo has been excluded from domestic and continental lists, but he still counts toward the foreign-player limit.

Al-Hilal Must Make Sale To Register Inter Defenders De Vrij Or Acerbi

BARI, ITALY – AUGUST 16: Francesco Acerbi of Inter during Pre-Season Friendly match between FC Internazionale and Olympiacos FC at Stadio San Nicola on August 16, 2025 in Bari, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

As a result, Al-Hilal cannot immediately register either Francesco Acerbi or Stefan de Vrij.

Indeed, both of whom are admired by head coach Simone Inzaghi.

The Saudi club would therefore need to finalise the departure of an additional overseas player before pursuing either Inter veteran.

Only once that slot is freed could talks advance meaningfully.

For Inter, this represents another factor slowing down the wider operation.

Even with Cancelo’s decision pending, the domino effect depends not only on Milan.

But also on Al-Hilal’s ability to reshape their squad under league rules.