Report – Inter Milan Top Target Set To Join Barcelona After Al-Hilal Fallout | OneFootball

Al-Hilal wingback Joao Cancelo is reportedly on the verge of joining Barcelona, with Inter Milan losing the race.

According to Sky Sport via FCInterNews, the Portuguese star is close to returning to Camp Nou.

Joao Cancelo has requested a transfer in Riyadh, less than two years since arriving in Saudi Arabia from Manchester City.

Indeed, he has fallen out of favor with the new manager, Simone Inzaghi, and his coaching staff.

Meanwhile, he has become a concrete transfer target for Inter Milan and Barcelona.

Inter Milan Lose Race for Joao Cancelo to Barcelona

PORTO, PORTUGAL – NOVEMBER 16: Joao Cancelo of Portugal in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Portugal and Armenia at Estadio do Dragao on November 16, 2025 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

Inter have identified Cancelo as a potential short-term replacement for the injured Denzel Dumfries.

However, the 31-year-old’s substantial wages have always been a stumbling block, deterring the club from opening talks with Al-Hilal.

Furthermore, Barcelona have acted quickly, hijacking Inter’s feeble attempt to lure Cancelo back to San Siro.

With Cancelo now one step away from returning to La Liga, Inter must look elsewhere to reinforce the right wing.