Liverpool may benefit from post-World Cup discussion for a replacement for Mohamed Salah, reportedly available for a reduced transfer fee following the tournament
16:26, 08 Jun 2026
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool appears emotional as he applauds the fans following his final appearance for the club during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Brentford at Anfield on May 24, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
The Reds are looking for a replacement for Mohamed Salah(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool could be presented with an opportunity to sign a potential Mohamed Salah successor at a reduced fee following the World Cup.
The Reds are preparing for a significant period of transition, with Salah’s nine-year spell at Anfield now over, Arne Slot's unexpected departure, and Andoni Iraola taking charge at Anfield. Despite the managerial changes, reports in Portugal suggest that one key transfer target remains firmly on Liverpool’s radar.
Sporting CP star Francisco Trincao has been linked with a move to Anfield in recent weeks, and Portuguese media claims that even the change in head coach has not weakened Liverpool’s interest in the Portuguese international.
Among the names to replace the Egyptian is Yan Diomande. The RB Leipzig attacker has frequently been mentioned in Liverpool transfer discussions alongside Trincao, with both players viewed as potential attacking reinforcements.
Paris Saint-Germain has now entered the race for the Leipzig forward, with the German club reportedly demanding around $117 million (£85 million) to sanction a sale of the Ivory Coast international. By contrast, Portuguese outlets suggest Trincao is emerging as the more realistic target.
Sporting CP’s $67 million (£50.5 million) release clause is already significantly lower than Leipzig’s valuation, and Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha goes further by claiming club president Frederico Varandas could be open to negotiating a fee below that figure. While such flexibility has been speculated previously in Portugal, the report suggests it is now a more concrete possibility.
However, any deal is unlikely to progress immediately. Sporting are said to be unwilling to engage in negotiations until after the World Cup, where Trincao is expected to feature for Portugal. A strong tournament could further inflate his valuation and increase interest from rival clubs, with Sporting keen to maximize his market value.
Francisco Trincao is a possible replacement for Mohamed Salah
Francisco Trincao is a possible replacement for Mohamed Salah
Trincao has been in strong form for Sporting CP this season, registering 13 goals and 18 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions. The 26-year-old, who can operate on the right flank or in a more central midfield role, has also been linked with a possible summer exit, with his manager Rui Borges hinting he could move on.
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Despite Liverpool having spent over £450million last year, the club is still expected to invest heavily again in the upcoming transfer window, with Trincao among the names under consideration.
The Portugal international was previously linked with a reunion with Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, but that speculation faded following Amorim’s departure from Old Trafford in January.
Trincao endured a difficult spell earlier in his career at Wolverhampton Wanderers, scoring just three goals in 30 appearances during a loan stint, although his development since returning to Portugal has been significant.