Barcelona keeping a close eye on former winger as Man City and Man United take notice | OneFootball

Once regarded as one of Barcelona’s biggest flops a few years ago, Francisco Trincao is merely a shadow of his former self now, and for good reasons.

Currently plying his trade for Sporting CP, Trincao is having a season to remember. The forward has racked up nine goals and 13 assists in 40 competitive matches this season, emerging as one of Sporting’s most productive players.

Trincao’s performances have not gone unnoticed, with Manchester City and Manchester United among the clubs reportedly interested in his services.

Barcelona keeping close tabs

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona, too, are keeping close tabs on the Portuguese winger, as they have vested interest in the player.

For one, the Catalans hold a 50% sell-on fee clause as well as a buyback clause worth just €25 million, which can be activated before 2026.

While it is not exactly mentioned whether or not Barça are interested in buying back Trincao, the club are certainly hoping for the winger’s big-money move in the summer.

Will Trincao return to the Premier League? (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

It must be noted that Trincao has a release clause tied to his contract worth €80 million.

Although it remains to be seen whether or not any European club are interested in matching that figure, a hypothetical activation of the release clause could see Barcelona earn up to €40 million.

This could serve as a major boost to Barça’s finances and should give the Catalans some more room to manoeuvre in the summer.

For now, though, Sporting are keen on extending the contract of Trincao. The Portuguese outfit are bracing for a busy summer ahead, as they are expected to face a stiff battle to keep hold of their stars Trincao and Viktor Gyokeres.

Curiously, Gyokeres has been a target for Barcelona as well, in the club’s search for a new number nine.

It will be interesting to see if the Catalans can leverage their clauses in Trincao’s contract to settle a deal for Gyokeres in the coming summer, though recent reports suggest the club have dropped interest in the Swedish forward.