Liverpool are reportedly leading the race to sign a former Barcelona forward as they continue their efforts to secure RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande.
Although the 2025/26 Premier League campaign only ended a couple of weeks ago, Liverpool’s summer has already been packed with major changes.
The club has seen several departures, including iconic figures Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson, while Arne Slot has been dismissed and replaced by Andoni Iraola. At the same time, other players such as Curtis Jones are attracting interest from Inter Milan, Federico Chiesa has hinted at a possible exit, and Cody Gakpo’s future remains uncertain, with Liverpool open to offers at the right price.
Defensively, Ibrahima Konaté has also moved on, with the French international widely expected to join Real Madrid.
In attack, Liverpool remain strongly linked with RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande and have already made contact with the German club, although Leipzig are insisting the player is not for sale unless a fee in the region of £112 million is met.
Alongside that pursuit, the Reds are also being linked with another attacking addition. Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha reports that Liverpool are among the leading contenders for Sporting CP and Portugal international Francisco Trincão.
The 26-year-old, capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or right winger, is seen as a potential option to fill the void left by Salah. Last season, he registered 13 goals and 15 assists in 54 appearances, helping Sporting compete strongly domestically and in Europe.
Trincão previously struggled during his spell at Barcelona, where he managed just three goals and two assists in 42 appearances, though he has since rebuilt his career impressively after loan spells at Wolves and Sporting before making his move permanent in 2023.
Reports from Record suggest Liverpool could be prepared to activate his £52 million release clause, with the player high on the list of potential targets.
Interestingly, Trincão is one of the few players to have shared the pitch with both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. He has previously spoken about learning from Messi during his time at Barcelona, describing the Argentine as calm, instructive, and a major influence on younger players.
Now contracted to Sporting CP until 2030, Trincão remains one of their most important attacking players as speculation over his future continues.
