Manchester Rivals Left Empty-Handed as Star Target Signs Fresh Deal

Sporting CP's winger Francisco Trincão appears to be close to committing his long-term future to the Portuguese club, potentially dealing a setback to transfer plans at Manchester City and Manchester United.

Despite struggling during his time at Barcelona early in his career and failing to make a significant impact during his loan spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Trincão has rediscovered his form at Sporting.

Over the past two Liga Portugal campaigns—in which Sporting secured the championship title on both occasions—Trincão has netted 18 goals in league competition while contributing 21 assists.

Manchester City experienced firsthand his destructive capabilities last November when Sporting delivered a commanding Champions League performance in Lisbon. Additionally, he was naturally familiar to Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, who departed Sporting for Old Trafford during the same month. It was also under Amorim's leadership at Braga that Trincão initially secured his 2020 transfer to Barcelona.

Both English clubs are actively seeking players to reconstruct their squads following underwhelming, yet distinctly different, 2024–25 seasons.

In Portugal, A Bola reports that Trincão and teammate Pedro Gonçalves have reached agreements on new contracts. Both negotiations have been deemed a "priority" and the process is anticipated to be finalized shortly. As a reward for their commitment to Sporting, each player will receive extended terms, improved wages and elevated standing.

Both Manchester clubs have already secured attacking reinforcements, however, despite the transfer window being in its early phases. City have acquired Rayan Cherki from Lyon in a £34 million ($45.8 million) deal, while United activated the £62.5 million ($84.1 million) release clause in Matheus Cunha's contract with Wolves. Both players are anticipated to make substantial contributions in 2025–26.