Joao Cancelo Set for January Exit as Barcelona and Inter Circle
Joao Cancelo is edging closer to another mid-season move, with the former Manchester City full-back preparing to leave Al-Hilal when the January transfer window opens as interest from Europe intensifies.
The Portugal international, who joined the Saudi club earlier this year, is already attracting concrete attention from Barcelona, Inter and Juventus, with discussions under way over a possible loan that could see him back at the top level within weeks.
Barcelona remain central to the story. Cancelo spent the 2023–24 season on loan at Camp Nou and left a strong impression, contributing consistently in big games and integrating seamlessly into the dressing room. Inter have now formally approached Al-Hilal to explore the structure of a temporary deal, while Juventus have also made initial enquiries as they assess defensive reinforcements.
The context behind the renewed Barcelona push is clear. Hansi Flick’s plans were disrupted by a long-term injury to Andreas Christensen, leaving the squad short defensively at a critical stage of the season. While the club initially prioritised a central defender, Cancelo’s versatility has made him an increasingly attractive solution. He can operate on either flank or step into midfield, offering tactical flexibility that Barcelona currently lack.
The situation has been developing steadily since Cancelo’s move to Saudi Arabia, with his connection to Barcelona never fully fading. That bond was highlighted during the Club World Cup last summer, when he was booed by Real Madrid supporters, a moment that underlined where his footballing loyalties still lie despite his insistence that he remains content at Al-Hilal.
Behind the scenes, Barcelona are balancing ambition with financial reality. Any January deal would almost certainly need to be structured as a loan, a model the club has relied on heavily in recent windows. That same approach explains why another familiar name has entered the frame.
Nathan Ake is also being monitored as Barcelona widen their search. The Manchester City defender has played limited minutes this season and is open to a January move, with City reportedly valuing him at around £21 million. Barcelona, however, would only be able to proceed if a loan option becomes viable. Interest from Bournemouth, Newcastle and Crystal Palace complicates the picture, though Ake’s refusal to join West Ham suggests he is determined to remain at Champions League level.
As the transfer narrative builds, uncertainty is not limited to the back line. Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s long-term future has also come into focus, with fitness issues and the emergence of Joan Garcia reducing his role. Girona have expressed interest, while Aston Villa are monitoring the situation closely amid doubts over Emiliano Martínez’s future.
With the January window approaching, Barcelona face a decisive period. Cancelo’s potential return would address immediate tactical needs and inject experience into Flick’s evolving side, while his situation reflects a wider reshaping of the squad as the club attempts to remain competitive under strict financial constraints.