A battle off the pitch.
Image credit: Transfer News Live
The summer transfer window could see another Manchester Derby—this time in the race for Sporting CP winger Francisco Trincão.
Both Manchester United and Manchester City are reportedly eyeing the Portuguese attacker, setting up an intriguing battle off the pitch.
Sporting Connection Fuels Interest
United’s pursuit of Trincão comes as no surprise, given Rúben Amorim’s arrival at Old Trafford.
The former Sporting CP boss is expected to raid his former club, with Viktor Gyökeres and Geovany Quenda already on United’s radar.
Meanwhile, City’s incoming sporting director, Hugo Viana, has deep ties to Sporting, further increasing speculation that the blue side of Manchester could join the race.
Trincão’s Impact at Sporting
🚨 Francisco Trincão is the subject of interest from both Manchester United and Manchester City this summer.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) March 3, 2025
Sporting want to keep him and renew his contract.
(Source: @abolapt) pic.twitter.com/N391V3X12u
The 25-year-old winger has been Sporting’s assist leader this season while also ranking as the club’s second-highest scorer, behind Gyökeres.
His 10 assists and 8 goals in 23 league games have made him a key figure under Amorim, who previously coached him at Braga before their reunion in Lisbon.
Sporting are keen to extend Trincão’s contract, which expires in 2026, but with both United and City interested, they may struggle to keep hold of their star.
Adding another layer to the negotiations, Barcelona hold a 50% sell-on clause, meaning Sporting must carefully weigh their options.
Who Will Win the Race?
With United and City both linked with Trincão, the winger could soon be making his way to Manchester—but which half of the city will he call home?
Will Amorim’s influence lure him to Old Trafford, or will City’s Champions League pedigree prove too tempting?
Stay tuned as the transfer battle heats up ahead of the summer window!