Inter Milan are pushing to close the operation for João Cancelo by next week, with talks involving Al-Hilal entering a decisive phase as Francesco Acerbi gives his ‘yes’ to a move in the other direction.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Cancelo has already been excluded from Al-Hilal’s squad list for the Asian Champions League.
Furthermore, he is now open to contributing personally towards his €18m-per-season salary in order to return to Europe.
Inter, for their part, have made it clear they will not wait beyond the coming days for a definitive response from the Portuguese defender.
Acerbi Gives Approval To Al-Hilal Switch As Inter Hurry Cancelo Decision
Joao Cancelo
GONDOMAR, PORTUGAL – JULY 05: Joao Cancelo, football player for Alhilal Saudi Club and the Portugal national team, arrives at a funeral held for Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar on July 05, 2025 in Gondomar, Portugal. Diogo Jota was a professional football player for Liverpool FC and the Portuguese national team, while Andre Silva played for FC Penafiel in Portugal’s second tier. The brothers died in a car accident in the province of Zamora, Spain, on July 3. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
To facilitate the deal, the Nerazzurri are prepared to send one experienced defender in the opposite direction.
Francesco Acerbi has already given his approval to a move to Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile Stefan de Vrij remains the alternative option.
Despite both players being in the final months of their contracts, regulations allow for a straight loan to be completed.
The key obstacle remains Cancelo’s final decision.
The former Manchester City and Barcelona defender still considers Barcelona his preferred destination.
Even though the Blaugrana currently lack the financial room to act immediately.
Inter are aware of that hesitation and are accelerating negotiations.
Indeed, determined to avoid being left waiting if Barcelona move later in the window.