Liverpool’s pursuit of Francisco Trincão is becoming crowded. And the latest club to emerge in the conversation comes with a familiar face attached.
The Sporting attacker has been repeatedly linked with a move to Anfield in recent weeks. Portuguese reports have consistently presented Liverpool as the club most interested in the 26-year-old.
Now there is another name to add to the list. According toCorreio da Manhã, Ruben Amorim wants to take Trincão to AC Milan. He is beginning work on his new project in Italy.
That could create an interesting battle for a player who owes much of his recent career revival to the Portuguese coach.
Of course, Liverpool’s reported agreement for Víctor Muñoz, who had been in talks with Newcastle, may have reduced the immediate urgency to add another player in a similar position.
Nevertheless, Portuguese reports continue to mention the Reds among Trincão’s admirers.
Amorim knows exactly what he would be getting
Unlike Liverpool, Amorim would not be signing Trincão based on scouting reports or recent performances alone. The pair have a long history together.
The former Manchester United manager worked with the attacker at Braga and later pushed to bring him to Sporting after the player’s difficult spell at Barcelona and Wolverhampton. The move proved a turning point.
Since arriving in Lisbon in 2022, Trincão has developed into one of Sporting’s most influential players. And across his two full seasons under Amorim in Lisbon, the attacker made 90 appearances, scoring 22 goals and providing 11 assists.
So it is easy to understand why the Milan manager reportedly sees him as an important target.
But funny enough, Trincão’s two most productive seasons in terms of goal contributions actually arrived after Amorim’s departure.
Liverpool remain firmly in the picture
The emergence of Milan does not change Liverpool’s position. Portuguese reports have repeatedly placed the Reds at the front of the queue. They also suggest Trincão remains a priority target despite the managerial transition from Arne Slot to Andoni Iraola.
There is also still no indication that Liverpool have submitted a formal proposal. That was highlighted again this week. Even so, Jorge Mendes reportedly assured both player and club that a major offer will arrive before the end of the transfer window.
Correio da Manhã suggest Trincão could command around €50m (£42.1m), a figure that sits below his €60m (£50.5m) release clause. However, it is comfortably within the range Portuguese media have been discussing throughout the summer.
Sporting are not expected to rush any negotiations. The Portugal international is currently at the World Cup. Furthermore, there is a growing feeling in Lisbon that a strong tournament could increase both his market value and the number of clubs interested in signing him.
Liverpool have spent weeks being portrayed as the leading contender. Now they may have to contend with a coach who knows Trincão better than almost anyone.
🇵🇹📰 Portuguese press not impressed by country’s opening match
❌ ‘Without soul, without fire, without meaning’
➡️ ‘Houston we have various problems’
📉 Low player ratings, but perhaps not low enough pic.twitter.com/uskR58neZ5
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) June 18, 2026