Liverpool Targets Francisco Trincão as Salah Replacement

Liverpool’s search for life after Mohamed Salah has taken another turn – this time towards Lisbon.

Francisco Trincão, the Sporting CP playmaker enjoying the most productive season of his career, has emerged as the latest name on Liverpool’s attacking shortlist, with the club braced for the eventual departure of their talismanic No.11.

Trincão emerges as a serious option

According to Portuguese outlet Record, relayed in England via Sport Witness, Liverpool are weighing up a move for the 26-year-old, who has quietly put together an outstanding campaign in green and white.

Thirteen goals. Eighteen assists. Fifty-three appearances across all competitions.

Those numbers have put Trincão firmly on the radar of clubs shopping for creativity and end product in wide areas. Comfortable off the right flank but also capable of operating in midfield, he offers the kind of tactical flexibility that will appeal to Arne Slot as he reshapes Liverpool’s attack.

His coach Rui Borges has already hinted that a summer exit is on the table, and with Liverpool expected to spend again despite last year’s £450million outlay, the profile fits: peak age, proven in Europe, technically sharp enough to slide into an ambitious, front-foot system.

Replacing Salah is not a one-player job. But Liverpool know they need someone who can at least carry part of that burden. Trincão’s season suggests he wants that stage.

Diomande route closes as Leipzig dig in

Liverpool’s interest in Trincão has sharpened just as another target has slipped further from reach.

Yan Diomande, the 19-year-old midfielder who has impressed in his first season at RB Leipzig after joining from CD Leganes, has made his intentions clear. Asked whether he expects to still be at Leipzig in the 2026/27 campaign, his answer was short and emphatic: “Yes.”

On his future, he told German publication Kicker he is not entertaining the noise.

“I’m not thinking about that right now. I’m at Leipzig and I enjoy playing here. In the end, it’s always the statistics that count. It’s been a fantastic year for me.”

Liverpool have monitored Diomande’s progress, as have Manchester United, but the message from Leipzig’s hierarchy has been just as firm as the player’s.

Red Bull chief Oliver Mintzlaff has already drawn a line in the sand, insisting Diomande will not be sold this summer.

“I can say: If I were sporting director, I wouldn't sell this young player, who hasn't even completed a full season with us. No matter what price is being asked,” he said.

“I believe he's a player who can still develop further, because he's still very young. And he can certainly become more expensive.”

Leipzig see Champions League football as a key weapon in their argument to keep him. Mintzlaff pointed to the chance for Diomande to back up his breakout year on the European stage and grow his value under a long-term contract, stressing they cannot allow a star to leave after only one season of outstanding performances.

The subtext is clear: Diomande is staying put, at least for now.

Liverpool’s next move

With one avenue effectively blocked, Liverpool’s recruitment team have shifted their gaze. The need is obvious: refresh an attack that has been built around Salah for years, without losing the edge that has defined the club at their best.

Trincão, with his blend of goals, assists and positional versatility, has pushed himself into that conversation with his form for Sporting.

Liverpool will not be alone if they move, and Sporting will not sell cheaply. But with Salah’s long-term future unresolved and a new manager keen to stamp his identity on the side, the question is no longer whether Liverpool act this summer.

It is who they decide carries the weight of replacing one of the greatest forwards in their history – and whether Francisco Trincão is the one they trust with that responsibility.