Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool’s summer recruitment plans have taken a new twist, with a European heavyweight now emerging as a serious rival for one of the Reds’ most coveted attacking targets, and the identity of the man leading that rival charge carries its own fascinating subplot for English football supporters.
Andoni Iraola has been busy reshaping the Liverpool squad since taking over from Arne Slot, with Victor Munoz already through the door and further additions expected before the window closes.
The attack has been an area of focus throughout, and one particular name in the Portuguese top flight has consistently led the conversation among those close to the club’s recruitment operation.
Portuguese media have repeatedly framed Liverpool as the frontrunner for his signature, with super-agent Jorge Mendes reportedly assuring both player and club that a formal offer from Anfield will arrive before the end of the summer.
Now, however, there is a new and significant complication.
According to Correio da Manha, AC Milan’s new manager Ruben Amorim is targeting Francisco Trincao as a priority signing as he begins building his project in Italy, potentially setting up a direct bidding war with Liverpool for the Sporting CP and Portugal winger.
“Rúben Amorim has taken over as manager of Milan and is already preparing to ‘fish’ at Alvalade, with the signings of Hjulmand and Francisco Trincão, according to the Italian press.”
“The Portuguese coach worked with both players at Sporting and sees this duo as fundamental to the project he is starting at Milan.”
“While Hjulmand could present a business opportunity (40 million euros + add-ons), Trincão is a player that Amorim greatly appreciates.”
“He worked with him at Sp. Braga and made a point of bringing him back from Barcelona when he went to Sporting.”
“The Portuguese player could fetch 50 million euros, but he is also wanted by Liverpool.”
Trincao, 26, has just completed the finest season of his professional career, contributing 13 goals and 15 assists across 54 appearances in all competitions for Sporting.y
His average rating of 7.65 across the Liga Portugal campaign placed him among the very best attacking players in the division, and his 86 big chances created across the season underline why clubs of this calibre are circling.
His release clause is set at 60 million euros, though Portuguese media suggest a deal in the region of 50 million euros could be structured.
What makes the Milan interest particularly compelling is the nature of the relationship between Amorim and his target.
This would not be a case of a manager signing a player based purely on scouting data.
Amorim worked with Trincao at Braga during the early stages of the winger’s career, and when he arrived at Sporting, he made a specific point of bringing him back from his difficult spells at Barcelona and Wolverhampton.
The reunion proved transformative.
Trincao rediscovered his best form under Amorim’s guidance and has not looked back since.
Interestingly, his two most productive seasons statistically came after Amorim left Sporting for Manchester United, suggesting his development has continued and matured independently.
But the personal connection remains strong, and Amorim is also targeting Sporting midfielder Morten Hjulmand as part of the same recruitment drive, signalling a deliberate attempt to transplant a familiar system to the San Siro.
Liverpool have not yet submitted a formal bid, and the managerial transition at Anfield has not dimmed the club’s interest.
With Trincao currently representing Portugal at the World Cup, any deal is likely to wait. But the queue is growing, and the price is only moving in one direction.