Beşiktaş management has added Portuguese international João Cancelo to its list of targets for the right-back position, where the club has an ongoing need. The 31-year-old is considered suitable for coach Sergen Yalçın’s system, which uses a full-back who can build play from defense. Following his time at Manchester City, João Cancelo is not part of the plans at Saudi club Al Hilal after January, which has led to his decision to return to Europe. The player's primary motivation is to play regularly to maintain his position in the national team for the 2026 World Cup.
Beşiktaş is attempting to manage his €15 million annual salary with a proposed plan where the cost would be shared with Al-Hilal and would include a performance-based purchase option. Initial contacts have been made, and a response is awaited. The club is also considering Lucas Vazquez from Bayer Leverkusen for the same position and is currently calculating the costs for both players before proceeding. Cancelo joined Al-Hilal in August 2024, has a contract until June 2027, and has made two appearances in the Saudi Pro League this season. He has earned 64 caps and scored 12 goals for Portugal, and his current valuation on Transfermarkt is €10.00m. Other clubs, such as Juventus and Inter, have also been linked with him. His most recent transfer was from Manchester City to Al Hilal in August 2024 for a €25 million fee. Reports in January 2026 suggested he might be available for a price of several million euros.
