Inter Milan Advance In Shock Move To Bring Ex Man City & Barcelona Star Back To Serie A | OneFootball

Inter Milan have taken a major step toward bringing João Cancelo back to Serie A, with talks accelerating after a key breakthrough involving Al-Hilal.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, Inter secured decisive approval from the Saudi club to help cover part of Cancelo’s salary in the event of a loan move to Milan.

That development has shifted the balance of the deal and opened the door to concrete negotiations.

Cancelo initially hoped to return to Barcelona, but Inter have now moved ahead.

The Nerazzurri showed stronger intent and greater financial flexibility.

Barcelona, by contrast, remain constrained by Financial Fair Play limits.

Inter’s approach has impressed both the player and his representatives, especially at a moment when Cancelo is looking for trust and stability.

Al-Hilal Could Help Inter Milan Sign Cancelo

Al-Hilal still hold Cancelo’s contract until 2027, with a net salary of €15m per season plus bonuses. However, the Saudi club are willing to contribute heavily toward his wages until June.

As La Gazzetta reports, tensions with Simone Inzaghi pushed Cancelo down the hierarchy. After an injury, he lost his place and was later excluded from the squad list for 2026. Al-Hilal now want a clean solution.

Under the proposed deal, Inter would pay up to €3m net. Al-Hilal would cover the remaining €4.5m. That structure has boosted confidence inside the Inter boardroom.

The final call rests with Cancelo. Inter want him available quickly and hope to have him ready for the January 11 match against Napoli.

Meanwhile, Beppe Marotta and Piero Ausilio remain in constant contact with Jorge Mendes, who has managed Cancelo’s career since his early days at Benfica.