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Joao Cancelo has deliberately stalled negotiations with Inter Milan as the Portuguese full-back remains determined to secure a return to Barcelona from Al-Hilal, with the 31-year-old choosing to wait for a call from Camp Nou despite ongoing talks with the Italian club.
Cancelo Deliberately Delays Inter Milan Talks as He Awaits Barcelona Decision
The Portuguese defender is certain to leave Al-Hilal this month, with Barcelona and Inter Milan emerging as the two main clubs competing for his signature. Sources close to the player confirm that Cancelo’s future is entirely tied to Barcelona’s decision, with the full-back reportedly eager to wear the Blaugrana shirt again and choosing not to rush into an agreement with Inter as a result.
Inter Milan remain keen to strengthen their defensive options and continue in constant dialogue with Al-Hilal and Cancelo’s agent Jorge Mendes, who maintains daily contact with all parties involved in the potential transfer. However, Cancelo has shared his belief with those closest to him that a return to Barcelona remains possible, leading to his decision to slow down the Inter negotiations.
The biggest obstacle preventing Barcelona from completing the move is financial, with Cancelo currently earning close to 15 million euros net per season at Al-Hilal. Al-Hilal have shown willingness to cover roughly half of the salary until the end of the season to facilitate a departure, but the remaining costs still present challenges for Barcelona’s current economic situation.
Even with Al-Hilal’s financial assistance, Barcelona would need to pay around 7.5 million euros for half a campaign for the 31-year-old full-back. There have already been contacts between Cancelo and Barcelona, but no final decision has been made or communicated by the Catalan club regarding whether they will pursue the transfer this month.
