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Al-Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi has not lost hope of signing veteran Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij during the January transfer window, despite complications arising from Barcelona’s successful pursuit of Portuguese wingback Joao Cancelo over the Nerazzurri.
Al-Hilal Manager Inzaghi Still Pursuing Inter Milan Defender De Vrij
Inter Milan were prepared to negotiate De Vrij’s transfer to Riyadh before being turned down by Cancelo, whose arrival would have opened the door for the Dutch centre-back’s departure. However, the Portuguese wingback chose Barcelona over Inter, disrupting the potential domino effect that could have facilitated the 33-year-old defender’s move to Saudi Arabia.
Inzaghi is eager to reunite with either Francesco Acerbi or De Vrij in the Middle East, targeting both players who are entering the final six months of their contracts at San Siro. The former Inter manager hoped to lure the experienced defenders away from Milan during the current transfer window as he builds his squad at the Saudi Pro League club.
Inter remain unwilling to release either player in January despite their contract situations, maintaining their stance that both defenders are crucial to their defensive setup. The Nerazzurri’s position could still change, but only if they successfully sign a new wingback to provide adequate cover and depth in their defensive options.
Inzaghi must therefore sit and wait for developments, with any potential move for De Vrij or Acerbi dependent on Inter’s ability to secure defensive reinforcements. The Al-Hilal boss continues to monitor the situation closely as he seeks to strengthen his backline with proven European experience ahead of the second half of the Saudi Pro League season.
