Tottenham continue to be linked with attacking reinforcements this summer, and one familiar name has now re-emerged after fresh developments overseas.
If Spurs can pull this deal off, it could prove to be a clever addition.
Francisco Trincao is entering his peak years, knows English football from his time on loan at Wolves and has rebuilt his reputation since leaving Barcelona.
Trincao has enjoyed an impressive spell back in Portugal after leaving the Camp Nou, becoming one of Sporting’s key attacking players.
Comfortable on either wing but happiest cutting inside from the right onto his stronger left foot, he combines creativity with an eye for goal and has become a regular in the Portugal squad.
Tottenham’s recruitment, bar lavish recent additions, has largely focused on adding younger players capable of developing into long-term stars, and Trincao fits that profile despite already boasting experience in Spain, England and Portugal.
His previous spell at Wolves did not fully showcase his ability, but he has matured considerably since joining Sporting permanently, and looks a far more complete player, with 47 goals and 51 assists in just under 210 games for the Primeira Liga side.
Whether Spurs make their move remains to be seen, particularly with competition from Man City still being mentioned, alongside their talks for Man City winger Savinho.
Franciso Trincao stalling Al-Ahli deal amid Tottenham hope
However, according to Portuguese newspaper Record, Trincao is delaying a proposed move to Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli because he is still hoping that interest from Tottenham or Man City turns into a concrete offer.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Record is one of Portugal’s best-known sports newspapers and has a long history of covering Sporting, Benfica and Porto. While it reports a high volume of transfer stories during each window, its domestic coverage is generally well-informed and often reflects information from sources close to Portuguese clubs. |
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Finances |
Sporting have reportedly agreed a deal worth around £39 million with Al Ahli, leaving only Trincao’s decision outstanding. The Saudi club are also prepared to offer the Portugal international a lucrative long-term contract, meaning Tottenham would likely need to match Sporting’s valuation, even if wages would remain significantly lower. |
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Insight |
Trincao came through Braga’s academy before earning a big-money move to Barcelona. Although he struggled to establish himself in Spain and had an inconsistent loan at Wolves, he has rediscovered his confidence at Sporting, becoming a productive winger with improved decision-making, pressing intensity and end product in the final third. |
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Impact |
Trincao would give Tottenham another option going forward and increase competition in wide areas. His creativity, work rate and experience in different leagues could make him a useful fit in a squad competing on multiple fronts, while his age suggests there is still room for further improvement. |
Sporting CP have already reached an agreement with Al-Ahli, who have offered the winger a deal worth around £162,000-per-week, but the transfer cannot be completed until the winger gives his green light.
The report claims Trincao’s preference is to remain in European football, with the Premier League his favoured destination.
Tottenham and City are said to be the two clubs he believes could still make a move before he commits to heading to Saudi Arabia.
At this stage, there is no indication Spurs have opened formal talks with Sporting.
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Instead, the situation appears to hinge on whether Tottenham decide to turn their long-standing admiration into a genuine bid before Trincao reaches a final decision over his future.
Trincao’s willingness to wait suggests he believes a Premier League opportunity could still arrive before the transfer window closes, but with the Lilywhites publicly chasing a new winger, he could give Johan Lange food for thought.
