Joao Cancelo is delaying a potential move to Inter Milan as he holds out for an offer from Barcelona, though the Spanish club remains hesitant due to his high wages and different squad priorities.
Joao Cancelo is reportedly seeking a return to European football this January, but the Al Hilal defender is stalling on a move to Inter Milan in hopes of a Barcelona approach.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the 31-year-old Portuguese international remains keen on the Blaugrana following his loan stint in the 2023/24 season.
While Inter Milan are actively negotiating with agent Jorge Mendes and Al Hilal, Cancelo is waiting to see if the Catalan giants formalize their initial interest.
Despite Cancelo’s clear preference for the Nou Camp, a reunion appears increasingly unlikely for the reigning La Liga champions.
Barcelona officials are reportedly unconvinced by the financial and tactical implications of the move. The club would be required to cover a significant portion of the veteran’s substantial salary at a time when financial flexibility is limited.
Furthermore, there is no total consensus within the sporting department regarding his fit for the current project.
The club’s technical priority remains the acquisition of a new central defender rather than a right-back. While the Catalans have inquired about Cancelo’s situation through Mendes, sources suggest they are not prepared to make a firm bid.
Unless there is a significant shift in the club’s transfer strategy, Cancelo may be forced to look toward Italy, where Inter Milan continue to work on the structure of a permanent or loan deal.