Inter wait for Cancelo’s green light as Al-Hilal make decision on defender’s salary

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Lorenzo Bettoni | Last updated Jan 2, 2026 8:50 AM ET

Reports in Italy claim that Saudi side Al-Hilal have agreed to pay part of Joao Cancelo’s salary, so the Nerazzurri are now waiting for the green light from the Portuguese full-back.

Cancelo could return to Inter during the January transfer window and his club Al-Hilal have agreed to pay part of his wages for the second part of the campaign.

Inter wait for possible Cancelo’s return

PORTO, PORTUGAL – NOVEMBER 16: Joao Cancelo of Portugal in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Portugal and Armenia at Estadio do Dragao on November 16, 2025 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

According to Gazzetta, the Nerazzurri expect to pay a maximum of €3m until June, while Al-Hilal will cover the remaining part of his €15m-a-year salary plus add-ons.

Inter are now waiting for the defender’s final decision as other clubs, including Barcelona, have sounded out his availability for the winter transfer window.

Inter make new contact with Jorge Mendes

Gazzetta claims that Nerazzurri directors have recently had a new contact with the defender’s agent Jorge Mendes and hope Cancelo will ultimately decide to return to San Siro, where he already played during the 2017-18 campaign.

Cancelo has fallen down Simone Inzaghi’s pecking order at Al-Hilal and is no longer on good terms with the Italian tactician so he’s expected to leave the club in the coming days.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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