Saudi Arabia was the destination.
The money was agreed, with the salary being quadruple what he earns now.
Al Ahli were ready.
And then Francisco Trincao hit pause.
Because Manchester City and Tottenham have entered the picture.
And the Premier League is pulling him back from the brink.
Francisco Trincao halts Saudi move as Manchester City and Tottenham emerge as surprise alternatives
According to Sport Witness, Trincao has decided to slow down the Al Ahli process and take a few days to consider his options, with the possibility of remaining in Europe still very much alive following the emergence of two significant Premier League suitors.
Portuguese newspaper Record report that Sporting CP are open to a deal worth around €50 million.
And that Al Ahli had been prepared to quadruple the 26-year-old’s current €2.5 million net annual salary to get it done.
That offer hasn’t gone away.
But Trincao is no longer rushing toward it.
The Tottenham angle is the most immediate.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side believe Trincao could offer competition for Mohammed Kudus on the right.
And provide cover as a central attacking midfielder, a position of genuine need with Xavi Simons sidelined until February through injury.
As well as James Maddison still recovering from a lengthy absence.
That dual-position versatility is exactly what makes the Portuguese international so attractive.
Manchester City’s interest is real but conditional.
New manager Enzo Maresca is an admirer of Trincao’s profile, and sporting director Hugo Viana knows him exceptionally well from their time together at Sporting.
But City will only make a formal move if Savinho leaves the Etihad first.
The irony is not lost on anyone.
Tottenham are the club most heavily linked with Savinho.
A move that frees Savinho to join Spurs could simultaneously open the door for City to pursue Trincao.
Yet, a chain of events that would reshape two clubs’ attacking options simultaneously.
However, Trincao’s contract at Sporting runs until 2030.
And any Premier League club wanting him must match the €50 million benchmark Al Ahli have already established.
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