Francisco Trincao is set to join Sporting CP imminently, after Wolves turned down the chance to sign him permanently.
The winger spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Molineux, but had an underwhelming season.
There was a lot of hype when he signed.
Many felt as though Wanderers had landed a gem, and at the time, some were very excited at the prospect of the club buying him for £25 million this summer.
But Trincao struggled for consistency throughout 2021/22.
He only really had a handful of good games.
He finished the campaign with just three goals and one assist to his name.
In the end, Wolves decided not to exercise their £25 million option to buy. But Trincao is already set for a new chapter.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the youngster is poised to seal a move to Sporting. An agreement has been reached with Barcelona for £8.5 million for 50% of the player’s rights. That fee will be paid in a year’s time.
Trincao is currently in Lisbon to complete the move.
Barcelona have negotiated a buy-back clause, which is valid for the next three years. The value of said clause is not mentioned.
Trincao will now hope to get his career back on track.
A good move for Trincao as former Wolves winger prepares for homeland return
So it looks as though Trincao’s move to Sporting could be confirmed very soon.
It is a shame it didn’t really work out at Wolves.
The talent is there, but the Premier League can be a very tough league for young players coming from overseas.
Wanderers were right not to make the move permanent.
Potentially, he could well become another Vitinha or another Pedro Goncalves. It will feel uncomfortable if that happens, but Wolves have made the right call.