Revealed: Why Former Juventus Defender Chose Barcelona Move Over Inter Milan | OneFootball

João Cancelo ultimately chose Barcelona over Inter Milan, turning down a return to Serie A despite concrete interest from the Nerazzurri.

According to Calciomercato.com, via FCInter1908, Inter were one of the three clubs most seriously interested in Cancelo after his exit from Al-Hilal, alongside Barcelona and Juventus.

The Bianconeri, however, quickly dropped out of the race, leaving a head-to-head battle between Inter and the Catalan giants.

Inter had already reached an agreement with Al-Hilal on the terms of the deal, but that was not enough to convince the Portuguese defender.

Cancelo Preference To Join Barcelona Over Inter Milan

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – AUGUST 29: Joao Cancelo of Team Al-Hilal FC warms up prior to the Saudi Pro League match between Al Hilal and Al Riyadh at Kingdom Arena on August 29, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)

The decisive factor was Cancelo’s personal preference.

Barcelona was always his first choice.

The full-back enjoyed his previous spell at the Camp Nou and immediately prioritised a return to Spain.

As a result, Cancelo placed all other options on hold. Inter included.

For several days, Beppe Marotta and Piero Ausilio waited for a response from the player.

However, he was in turn waiting for Barcelona to give the green light.

That approval eventually arrived.

Cancelo’s agent Jorge Mendes completed a straight loan move until June, with Barcelona agreeing to cover a salary of around €7 million for the remainder of the season.