Francisco Trincão is on the verge of leaving Sporting after the Portuguese champions reached an agreement with Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli over a deal worth around €45 million.
The transfer is not yet complete, with the final decision resting with the Portugal international, but Sporting are already preparing for life without one of their most influential players.
The move is also likely to end any lingering hopes of a Premier League return, with Trincão instead set to cash in on a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia.
Trincão yet to give final approval
Although Sporting and Al Ahli have agreed the framework of the transfer, the deal cannot be completed until Trincão accepts the personal terms on offer.
Those terms are difficult to ignore.
Al Ahli are reportedly prepared to pay the winger more than €10 million per season net, roughly four times his current salary in Lisbon. With the financial package now on the table, a final decision is expected within the next few days.
Should the move go through, it would bring an end to an outstanding four-year spell at Sporting.
Trincão leaves having made 210 appearances, scoring 47 goals and registering 45 assists, while helping the club win two league titles, the Portuguese Cup and the League Cup.
Sporting already planning for life without their star
Sporting have been preparing for Trincão's departure for some time.
The arrival of Rodrigo Zalazar from Braga for €30 million was viewed internally as the first step towards replacing the creativity the Portugal international brought to the side.
However, the rebuilding may not stop there.
The club are also facing uncertainty surrounding Daniel Bragança's future. If the midfielder departs later this summer, Sporting are expected to return to the market for another attacking midfielder capable of playing in the No.10 role.
Rather than another marquee signing, the Portuguese champions are believed to be targeting a younger player with room to develop alongside Zalazar.
Key Points
- Sporting have agreed a deal worth around €45 million with Al Ahli for Francisco Trincão.
- The transfer now depends on the winger accepting personal terms.
- Al Ahli are offering Trincão a salary exceeding €10 million per year.
- Sporting have already signed Rodrigo Zalazar as part of their squad rebuild.
- Another attacking midfielder could arrive if Daniel Bragança also leaves.
What's next?
Trincão is expected to decide on Al Ahli's proposal in the coming days. If he gives the green light, Sporting will immediately accelerate plans to strengthen their attacking midfield, with further recruitment likely depending on whether Daniel Bragança also departs before the transfer window closes.
Would you have liked to see Francisco Trincão return to the Premier League, or is this the right time for him to accept a move to Saudi Arabia?
0 Comments
First read message
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *