£50m first signing: Liverpool want to buy Portugal playmaker for Andoni Iraola

Andoni Iraola is in at Liverpool and the Reds have a first signing lined up.

Andoni Iraola is the new head coach at Liverpool after agreeing a contract with the Reds on Thursday. Now starts the rebuilding process as they attempt to get a squad together for the Spaniard.

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That won’t be simple. Liverpool spent over £400m last summer and went backwards - the squad built for Arne Slot was one he couldn’t actually use.

A different group may be needed for Iraola, then, particularly as some key players have left. Ibrahima Konate joined Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson in the exodus recently.

Correio da Manha claims that one name sitting on Liverpool’s shortlist is Francisco Trincao. The playmaker has enjoyed a great season with Sporting and is supposedly up for grabs with his £50m release clause.

Reports in Portugal refuse to let this one lie and have been going on for weeks now. The suggestion from many is that Liverpool are pushing hardest to sign Trincao and that’s regardless of who the head coach is.

The first signing for Iraola, then? He’s certainly a good player and a versatile one, too. That’s the kind of signing new coaches like - someone who can move about while they figure out their preferred system.

This is one to watch, then. Liverpool like Trincao and want to sign him. It may just need the Iraola green light.

Francisco Trincao: Situation Summary

Sporting CP Campaign and Stats

As of 5 June 2026, Francisco Trincão has concluded a spectacular domestic campaign with Sporting CP. The 26-year-old Portuguese winger enjoyed a highly productive season, making 38 appearances across all competitions, scoring 11 goals, and delivering a division-high 13 assists in the league. His creative flair and tactical versatility were pivotal in driving Sporting to further silverware, and his outstanding form has earned him a place in Portugal's squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

Transfer Interest and Anfield Pursuit

Trincão's stellar form has ignited significant interest from elite clubs ahead of the summer window. With Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola identifying a need for attacking reinforcement following Mohamed Salah’s departure, the Reds have taken concrete steps to explore a potential move. While Chelsea and Arsenal have also monitored the winger, Liverpool are reportedly pushing with the most intent. Any suitor must contend with his contract running until 2030, which includes a €60 million (£52 million) release clause.