Inter Milan have laid much of the groundwork for the potential return of Joao Cancelo, but the deal remains on hold as the Nerazzurri await the final decision of the Portuguese international.

Inter have already reached an understanding with Al-Hilal regarding the financial structure of the operation, as per FCInterNews.

The Saudi club would cover a significant portion of Cancelo’s remaining salary, with Inter contributing between €3.5-4 million of the roughly €9 million due until the end of the season. The formula under discussion is a dry loan until June.

Al-Hilal Prepare 18-Month Contract For Inter Veteran De Vrij

Stefan de Vrij Inter Milan
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 21: Stefan de Vrij #6 of FC Internazionale Milano passes the ball while under pressure from Samuel Gustafson #11 of Urawa Red Diamonds during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and Urawa Red Diamonds at Lumen Field on June 21, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Crucially, the operation would also involve a parallel move in the opposite direction.

One of Francesco Acerbi or Stefan de Vrij would join Al-Hilal on the same loan basis, reuniting with Simone Inzaghi.

The latest development concerns De Vrij specifically, with reports indicating that Al-Hilal are prepared to offer the Dutch defender an 18-month contract rather than a short six-month stopgap.

However, the final obstacle remains Cancelo himself.

The former Barcelona and Manchester City defender continues to wait for a signal from Barcelona, whose current priority is signing a central defender following Andreas Christensen’s injury.