Inter’s pressing on Joao Cancelo does not stop, but the negotiations for the Portuguese full-back are proceeding more slowly than expected. The Nerazzurri, who had hoped for a quick closure, have had to slow down in the face of the player’s hesitations.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the club from Viale della Liberazione has chosen to wait a few more days, confident that the winger will make up his mind. Cancelo is reflecting together with his agent Jorge Mendes, who is managing the situation on several fronts. The Portuguese dreams of playing in the Champions League ahead of the World Cup, and believes his chances of doing so are greater with Barcelona than with the Nerazzurri.
An agreement with Al-Hilal has already been reached for days: the Saudi club, which has excluded the player from all lists, is willing to cover most of his salary in the event of a six-month loan to Milan. In exchange, the Saudis would like one between Francesco Acerbi and Stefan De Vrij, both out of contract with Inter. The deal would be almost done, if it weren’t for the player’s doubts.
Blaugrana coach Hansi Flick, for technical reasons, continues instead to close the door to Cancelo. The German coach would like a pure central defender, preferably left-footed, and does not seem convinced about moving Koundé to the center. However, the situation remains in flux. Mendes, who also represents Lamine Yamal, pushed hard yesterday with president Laporta, even putting him in direct contact with the player.
The Catalan management is reflecting on the matter, but for now the orientation has not changed. Barcelona has limited room in the market due to Financial Fair Play: by removing the injured Christensen from the list, they could invest 80% of his salary in a new signing. In short, only one shot to fire, and the final choice is up to the Blaugrana.
That decision will then determine Cancelo’s final answer to Inter, who are patiently waiting for the green light to close the deal. In the meantime, where they once wanted to operate in Dumfries’ territory, the Nerazzurri directors remain ready to finalize as soon as the Portuguese gives his approval.
