Man Utd and Man City both tracking Sporting winger’s future | OneFootball

Manchester Rivals Monitor Francisco Trincão’s Future as Sporting Plan Contract Talks

Trincão’s Rise at Sporting Catches Attention in England

Francisco Trincão’s importance to Sporting CP cannot be overstated. The 25-year-old winger has played more minutes than any other outfield player this season, featuring in 40 matches and accumulating 3,464 minutes—an impressive feat that underlines both his durability and significance to Sporting’s side. However, his performances have not gone unnoticed, with both Manchester United and Manchester City keeping a close watch on his progress, according to A Bola.

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The intrigue is not just about his form; it is also about connections. The two key figures responsible for bringing Trincão to Sporting—Amorim and Hugo Viana—are now in Manchester. Amorim took charge at United in November, while Viana is set to assume his role as City’s sporting director ahead of next season. Their admiration for the Portuguese winger remains strong, making Trincão a player of interest for both clubs.

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Sporting Move to Secure Trincão’s Future

With interest growing, Sporting are looking to secure Trincão’s long-term future at the club. Although his contract runs until 2027, the Lisbon side have already reopened discussions regarding a potential renewal.

Sporting are well aware that their star winger could be a hot commodity in the summer transfer window. While they do not want to lose him, history suggests that substantial bids can be difficult to turn down. Trincão’s current deal includes an €80 million release clause, and any sale would see Barcelona take 50% of the fee due to a sell-on clause negotiated when Sporting made his loan move permanent in 2022.

Consistency and Growth Under Amorim and Viana

Trincão’s journey to this point has been one of resilience and steady development. After moving to Barcelona from SC Braga in 2020 for €31 million, he struggled to establish himself at Camp Nou, eventually going on loan to Wolverhampton Wanderers. It was not until his move to Sporting—initially on loan and later for a €7 million fee—that he found a system that suited his game.

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Under Amorim’s management, Trincão has flourished. His first season saw him contribute 13 goals and four assists across all competitions, while last season he improved further with 10 goals and nine assists. This term, he has already notched 9 goals and 12 assists, demonstrating both consistency and progression.

His technical ability, vision, and stamina make him an appealing prospect for clubs seeking a versatile attacking option. Given his familiarity with both Amorim’s and Viana’s philosophies, a move to Manchester—either United or City—would not be a surprise.

Manchester United’s Need for Attacking Reinforcements

For United, the situation is clear. Amorim’s appointment came during a turbulent season, with the club languishing in mid-table. A summer rebuild is inevitable, and wide attacking options will be a key area of focus. With Antony expected to depart and question marks over Jadon Sancho’s long-term future, the United boss will need reinforcements on the flanks.

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Amorim has worked closely with Trincão before and knows his strengths. His ability to play across multiple attacking positions makes him an appealing option, particularly if United decide to invest in younger, dynamic talents rather than established names.

Manchester City and the Viana Factor

City, on the other hand, do not have an immediate need for a winger, but Viana’s presence in their recruitment team could change the equation. His familiarity with Trincão, coupled with his understanding of the player’s potential, makes him a name worth monitoring.

Pep Guardiola has relied heavily on his wide players in recent seasons, but with uncertainty surrounding some members of the squad, City could look to reinforce their attacking depth. The possibility of a move may hinge on outgoings, particularly if a player like Bernardo Silva decides to seek a new challenge.

Sporting’s Financial Landscape and Transfer Market Expectations

Sporting’s latest financial report highlighted a €15 million profit for the first half of the 2024/25 season, with the club explaining that their decision to retain key players led to a dip in transfer income. However, this summer is expected to be different.

Several players, including Viktor Gyökeres, Geovany Quenda, and Ousmane Diomande, have attracted interest from top European clubs, meaning the Lisbon club could be set for a lucrative transfer window. Sporting’s strategy has often involved selling one or two key players each summer to fund reinforcements, and Trincão could be part of that equation if a significant offer arrives.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Manchester United and Manchester City supporters, the prospect of Francisco Trincão arriving at their club is an intriguing one.

From a United perspective, the connection between Trincão and Amorim makes this transfer rumour one to take seriously. United are in dire need of attacking reinforcements, and a player who has already thrived under their current manager seems like a logical fit. The Portuguese winger offers tactical flexibility, has the ability to beat defenders, and contributes both goals and assists—qualities that have been missing at Old Trafford in recent seasons.

City fans, on the other hand, might see this as a more opportunistic signing. With Viana arriving as sporting director, there could be an effort to secure talents he believes can add value. While Trincão may not be an immediate starter at the Etihad, he could develop under Guardiola’s guidance in a similar manner to players like Jack Grealish and Phil Foden. If a deal can be structured smartly—perhaps with a lower upfront fee—then City might just be tempted to make a move.

Ultimately, this is a story that highlights how recruitment in football is often shaped by relationships. With Amorim and Viana now operating at two of England’s biggest clubs, it is no surprise that their former player is on the radar. Whether Sporting manage to tie Trincão down to a new deal or if one of Manchester’s giants swoops in, this is a situation that will undoubtedly develop as the summer window approaches.