João Cancelo linked with Inter Milan return after Al Hilal odyssey turns sour

Al Hilal defender João Cancelo could be poised for a return to Serie A, according to reports in Italy.

Barely a year after joining the Saudi Pro League side from Manchester City in a deal worth £21m, the 31-year-old Portugal international is understood to be the focus of interest from league leaders Internazionale. 

A move could be in the best interests of both parties. While Cristian Chivu’s side are in need of cover at right-back after Dutch international Denzel Dumfries underwent ankle surgery earlier this month, Cancelo has slipped down the pecking order at Al Hilal amid tensions with head coach Simone Inzaghi. 

How João Cancelo fell from favour at Al Hilal

Cancelo reacted with fury after being withdrawn late in Al Hilal’s league opener against Al Riyadh and has barely played since. Unregistered to play in domestic competition, the defender has not featured in the Saudi Pro League since mid-September, with his involvement restricted to a handful of appearances in the Asian Champions League. With the World Cup only six months away, Cancelo recently spoke openly of his desire to return to European football.

“Obviously, I dream of returning to Europe,” said the full-back, who spent a year on loan at Inter from Villarreal before moving to Juventus in the summer of 2018. “I have one more year left on my contract with Al Hilal, but I’m always open to new adventures. Only the future will tell.”

Given that he earns an estimated annual salary of about £13m, the logistics of a Serie A return is unlikely to be straightforward for Cancelo. Inter would be unable to cover his wages in full, meaning Al Hilal would need to pay a portion of the defender’s income.

Barcelona could rival Inter Milan for Cancelo

Chivu may also be required to fight off reported interest from Barcelona, another of Cancelo’s former clubs, as well as Juventus, both of whom have reportedly made contact with the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes, regarding a possible loan.

Inter are understood to retain an interest in Hellas Verona wingback Rafik Belghali, but the 23-year-old Algeria international is unlikely to be available before next summer. 

With Brazilian winger Luis Henrique failing to convince as an understudy for Dumfries, Inter will need to act decisively in the weeks ahead.