Italian Federico Pastorello, the agent of Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij, the defensive duo of Inter Milan, settled the debate about the possibility of either of them transferring to Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal during the current winter transfer window.

Pastorello explained that Al Hilal's negotiations with Inter were linked to the loan deal for the Portuguese player João Cancelo. However, the player's insistence on returning to Barcelona in the current January transfer window led to the complete closure of this matter.

Al Hilal had shown interest in signing one of Inter's defenders, Acerbi or De Vrij, to strengthen the backline, based on a recommendation from the Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, as the club is urgently seeking defensive reinforcements.

According to the Saudi newspaper "Al-Riyadiyah," Pastorello confirmed, saying: "With Cancelo's move to Barcelona, everything regarding the possibility of either of the two joining Al-Hilal is over," denying any developments concerning De Vrij's transfer and confirming that he will remain with Inter Milan.

In a related context, media reports indicated that Al-Hilal's management has turned to an alternative option after finalizing their agreement with Fiorentina to sign Spanish defender Pablo Marí, in order to strengthen the "Al-Za'eem" defense line at the direct request of coach Simone Inzaghi.