Trincão targets Champions League in key Sporting spell, but eyes showcase | OneFootball

Francisco Trincão is preparing to reach a symbolic milestone in a Sporting shirt, with the possibility of making his 200th appearance for the Club as early as the trip to Arsenal, in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. The 26-year-old Portugal international is expected to be one of Rui Borges’ options and arrives at this moment as one of the team’s standout figures.

After recently renewing his contract with the Lions, the player — who has never hidden his connection to the Club — further strengthens his status as a pillar of the squad. Trincão returned to Alvalade in 2022 from Barcelona, in a deal that would be made permanent in August 2025, when the SAD invested €11 million to acquire the remaining 50% of his rights still owned by the Catalans.

With 199 matches already played, the winger has 46 goals and 45 assists, numbers that reflect his influence over the last few seasons. As for the future, Francisco Trincão remains happy at Alvalade and would only consider leaving for a top European football project. The new contract runs until 2030 and includes a release clause set at €60 million; however, the Champions League ‘shop window’ could bring new developments.

It should be remembered that the Lions take to the field next Wednesday, 15 April, against Arsenal. The match, corresponding to the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, against the side coached by Mikel Arteta, will be played at 20:00 at the Emirates Stadium.

This season, playing for Sporting, Francisco Trincão — valued at €35 million — has made 45 appearances: 28 in Liga Portugal Betclic, ten in the Champions League, five in the Portuguese Cup, one in the League Cup and another in the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira. In 3,576 minutes played, the forward has scored 12 goals and provided 15 assists.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.