Liverpool Step Up Pursuit of Sporting's Trincao as Salah Replacement

Liverpool are pushing hard to land Sporting CP's Francisco Trincao this summer as they look to fill the void left by Mohamed Salah's impending departure, according to reports.

The Merseyside outfit face a significant recruitment challenge heading into the transfer window, needing to bolster their attacking options on multiple fronts. Salah's exit on a free transfer at season's end necessitates finding a right-winger capable of stepping into those considerable boots, whilst the long-term injury suffered by Hugo Ekitike has forced them to accelerate their search for additional firepower. The French striker's Achilles rupture rules him out for between six and nine months.

Trincao has emerged as a genuine target for Liverpool's recruitment team. The 26-year-old Portugal international operates effectively across the right flank and as a number ten, and his performances at Sporting have caught the attention of Anfield decision-makers. His season tally reads an impressive 13 goals and 18 assists across 52 appearances.

Liverpool have already made their move known, registering their interest and taking what insiders describe as "concrete steps" towards securing the player—likely involving contact with both Trincao's representatives and Sporting themselves. The club are pursuing the deal with what's being characterised as "real intent," seemingly ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea, who are merely monitoring developments and watching from the sidelines respectively.

There's an intriguing parallel here with Salah's own journey. The Egyptian was dismissed as a Chelsea failure before rescuing his career at Roma and arriving at Liverpool in summer 2017. Trincao similarly struggled during a loan stint at Wolverhampton, managing just three goals in 30 appearances, yet he has evolved considerably since that spell.

Sporting are unlikely to budge on Trincao's €60million (£52m) release clause, which they will demand in full before allowing another English return.

The Portuguese winger had previously been linked with a reunion under Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, but those prospects evaporated when United dispensed with the manager in January.

It's worth noting, however, that Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig remains Liverpool's primary target for the right wing. The Reds are pursuing the Ivorian "full throttle," having already opened talks with his representatives and the German club. Leipzig's valuation sits at €100million (£87m)—a reflection of their view that Diomande represents their finest talent since Erling Haaland's departure.

Beyond these headline pursuits, Liverpool have cast a wider net across the Premier League, with Mohammed Kudus, Anthony Gordon, Yankuba Minteh and Jarrod Bowen all under consideration as potential additions to their forward line. Gordon, in particular, could prove useful as a temporary solution to the Ekitike situation, given his versatility as either a left winger or false nine.