Liverpool want deal for £52m Portugal star: Richard Hughes is a huge fan

Liverpool will soon require a long-term, high-quality replacement for Mohamed Salah.

The Egyptian King, 33, is departing at the end of the current season. Richard Hughes has reached an agreement with the two-time African footballer of the year to rip up his £400k per week contract one year early.

That leaves Arne Slot’s side short of a first-choice right-wing option - and a host of names are in the frame to replace him.

Among those named are Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola - but the Premier League champions could have affordability issues around either of those signings.

Therefore a cut-price option could be considered with Francisco Trincão now emerging on the Anfield side’s radar.

Richard Hughes wants Trincão deal

That’s according to a report in Anfield Index which claims that Richard Hughes is a big fan of the left-footed Portugal international.

“Liverpool have made serious enquiries over a move for Sporting CP attacking midfielder Francisco Trincao,” the report reads.

“After signing a new contract last month, a €60m (£52m) release clause remains active in the deal.

“With Mohamed Salah confirming his plans to leave Liverpool at the end of the season, Trincao could be seen as an option to replace the Egyptian King.

“Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes is thought to be a huge fan of the Sporting CP attacker and could be seen as an affordable alternative on the list.”

Francisco Trincão: Situation summary

Francisco Trincão is a left‑footed right winger whose form at Sporting has pushed him back onto the radar of Europe’s elite.

Now 26, he is a full Portugal international and an important figure in Sporting’s attack, having rebuilt his reputation after earlier, mixed spells in Spain and England.

He came through at Braga, earned a high‑profile move to Barcelona in 2020, then found greater consistency and end product in Lisbon with back‑to‑back seasons of double‑digit goal contributions.

Trincão is a technical, combination‑heavy wide forward who likes to receive wide on the right and glide infield onto his left foot.

He excels in tight spaces, uses feints and body shifts rather than outright pace, and prefers short passing links and dribbles over volume crossing.

Stylistically he sits closer to a Riyad Mahrez profile than a touchline‑hugging sprinter, creating danger via ball retention, one‑v‑one wins and shots from the half‑space.

Sporting have him tied down on a long‑term contract with a high release clause, and any move is likely to require a premium fee.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

👉🏻 Liverpool get GREEN light to sign Nico Schlotterbeck

👉🏻 Centre-back confirms he's ready to join Liverpool

👉🏻 Fabrizio Romano CONFIRMS belief £52m Liverpool target will agree move