Cancelo asks agent for European return amid Inter links

João Cancelo is pushing for a return to European football as Inter explore the conditions for a possible January move.

The Portuguese full-back is expected to leave Al Hilal this month after a difficult spell in Saudi Arabia, where his relationship with head coach Simone Inzaghi has reportedly failed to develop.

According to Il Giorno, via FCInter1908, Cancelo has already instructed his agent Jorge Mendes to find him a new club among Europe’s elite.

Inter are among the sides monitoring the situation closely. The Nerazzurri are searching for an experienced wide option to cover the absence of Denzel Dumfries, who has undergone surgery and is not expected back before March.

Cancelo, who previously impressed in Italy, is viewed as an ideal technical fit for head coach Cristian Chivu.

However, any deal would hinge entirely on finances. Cancelo currently earns around €18 million net per season, a figure far beyond Inter’s reach. A move would only be possible if Al Hilal agree to cover a substantial portion of his wages, effectively subsidising a European return.

Barcelona have also been mentioned as a potential destination, given Cancelo’s past comfort there, but Inter remain attentive should the economic conditions align. Within Chivu’s squad, options on the right are limited, with Luis Henrique yet to fully convince and Matteo Darmian only recently returning from injury and still short of match fitness.