It is official. Francisco Trincão is a new Al Ahli player. Sporting CP confirmed on July 18, 2026, that a permanent agreement has been reached with the Saudi Pro League club for the transfer of the Portuguese winger. The Portuguese international will join the Saudi vice-champions Al Ahli for €40 million after four seasons with Sporting. The deal brings the curtain down on one of the most productive chapters of Trincão’s career and sends him to Saudi Arabia as one of the most valuable Portuguese exports of the summer.
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Francisco Trincão to Al Ahli, The Deal — What We Know
“Sporting SAD reached an agreement with Al Ahli for the definitive transfer of the sporting rights of the player Francisco Trincão,” read the official statement sent by Sporting to the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM).
The winger, who had a release clause of €60 million, was transferred for approximately €40 million ($45 million), a figure that can rise by a further €4.3 million ($5 million) based on objectives. Al Ahli will also be responsible for the solidarity mechanism of approximately €1.75 million, as well as intermediary fees.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the deal with his customary “here we go,” with paperwork being exchanged with Sporting after sorting a $45m fixed fee and $5m add-ons. Al Ahli have their replacement for Riyad Mahrez.
Prior to this move crystallising, Tottenham Hotspur had registered interest in Trincão. Liverpool also weighed a move for several weeks before the Saudi offer took precedence.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Player | Francisco Trincão |
| From | Sporting CP |
| To | Al Ahli |
| Base Transfer Fee | $45m (approx. €40m) |
| Add-Ons | Up to $5m (approx. €4.3m) |
| Maximum Total Fee | $50m (approx. €45m) |
| Contract Length | Until 2030 |
| Date of Birth | December 29, 1999 |
| Age | 26 |
| Nationality | Portuguese |
| Position | Winger / Attacking Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Height | 184cm |
Why Al Ahli Signed Trincão
Al Ahli had been searching for a top-notch playmaker following Riyad Mahrez’s departure. Trincão is positioned as the ideal player to replace the Algerian international, as his style of play mirrors Mahrez’s creative range and goal threat.
Al Ahli are reportedly prepared to pay the winger more than €10 million per season net, roughly four times his current salary in Lisbon.
Who Is Francisco Trincão?
Francisco António Machado Mota de Castro Trincão, born 29 December 1999, is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a winger.
Born in Viana do Castelo, Trincão began his youth career with hometown club Vianense and also had a spell at Porto and two at Braga, where he finished his development.
In January 2020, he signed with Barcelona for a reported €31 million fee, with the deal made effective in July. However, his time at the Camp Nou did not go to plan, and he was sent out on loan.
He spent two years on loan at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sporting CP, joining the latter permanently in April 2023, and going on to make over 200 appearances and win two Primeira Liga titles and the 2024-25 Taça de Portugal.
Career Club History
| Club | Years | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Braga / Braga B | 2016 – 2020 | Senior debut; Taça da Liga winner |
| FC Barcelona | 2020 – 2022 | Signed for €31m |
| Wolverhampton Wanderers (Loan) | 2021 – 2022 | Premier League experience |
| Sporting CP (Loan then Permanent) | 2022 – 2026 | 208 apps, 47 goals, 2 x Liga Portugal |
| Al Ahli | 2026 – Present | New chapter begins |
Four Years at Sporting CP — A Legacy Defined
Trincão arrived at Sporting on July 13, 2022, initially on loan from FC Barcelona, and over four seasons in green and white won two national championships, a Taça de Portugal, and a Taça da Liga.
The number 17 departs Alvalade with a record of 208 official appearances and 47 goals.
In his penultimate season at the club, he finished with nine goals to claim a national championship while taking part in all 34 fixtures and providing a league-best 14 assists.
In the 2025-26 Champions League campaign, Trincão played 11 matches, clocking 956 minutes, scoring 4 goals and providing 4 assists.
Trincão scored his first brace in the Champions League on September 18, 2025, also being named player of the match in the 4-1 home victory over Kairat in the league phase.
2025-26 Season Stats
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liga Portugal | 34 | 7 | 11 |
| UEFA Champions League | 11 | 4 | 4 |
Honours Won
| Trophy | Club | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Liga Portugal | Sporting CP | 2023-24 |
| Liga Portugal | Sporting CP | 2024-25 |
| Taça de Portugal | Sporting CP | 2024-25 |
| UEFA Nations League | Portugal | 2024-25 |
| Copa del Rey | FC Barcelona | 2020-21 |
| Taça da Liga | Braga | 2019-20 |
Throughout his career, Trincão has won eight titles: UEFA Nations League A (2024-25) with Portugal, Taça de Portugal (2024-25) and Liga Portugal (2024-25, 2023-24) with Sporting CP, League Cup (2019-20) with Braga, and Copa del Rey (2020-21) with Barcelona.
International Career
Trincão represented Portugal at various youth levels, being part of the under-19 team that won the 2018 European Championship where he was crowned top scorer.
He made his senior international debut in 2020 and was selected for the 2026 World Cup.
A Nations League winner with Portugal in 2024-25, Trincão was called up by Roberto Martínez for the 2026 World Cup, where Portugal were knocked out in the round of 16 by Spain (1-0).
The now 19-times capped international for Portugal, with three goals to his name, wore the Sporting shirt on 208 occasions, scoring 47 goals.
Sporting CP’s Financial Picture
Sporting had been preparing for Trincão’s departure for some time. The arrival of Rodrigo Zalazar from Braga for €30 million was viewed internally as the first step towards replacing the creativity the Portugal international brought to the side.
Sporting invested €21 million in total to sign Trincão permanently. The €40 million fee received from Al Ahli represents a healthy profit on that investment and will provide the Portuguese champions with significant funds to reinvest in their squad.
Read More: Why England’s Faith in Thomas Tuchel Has Been Shaken
FAQs
How much did Al Ahli pay for Francisco Trincão?
Trincão was transferred for approximately €40 million ($45 million), a figure that can rise by a further €4.3 million ($5 million) based on objectives, with Al Ahli also responsible for the solidarity mechanism and intermediary fees.
How long is Francisco Trincão’s contract at Al Ahli?
The player signed a contract valid until 2030.
Why did Francisco Trincão choose Al Ahli over Premier League clubs?
Tottenham Hotspur had registered interest in Trincão and Liverpool also weighed a move for several weeks, but the Saudi offer ultimately took precedence.
What was Francisco Trincão’s record at Sporting CP?
Trincão departs Alvalade with a record of 208 official appearances and 47 goals, along with two national championship titles.
Who does Trincão replace at Al Ahli?
Al Ahli had been searching for a top-notch playmaker following Riyad Mahrez’s departure, and Trincão is positioned as the ideal player to replace the Algerian international, as his style of play mirrors Mahrez’s creative range and goal threat.
