Will Manchester City return for a winger they had interest in last summer?
· Yahoo Sports
There aren’t a lot of holes in the current Manchester City squad. City will look to bolster their midfield this summer; that is a given. The FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders will also likely be in the market for a right-back. Another area where City could look to strengthen is by signing another winger. City currently have Jeremy Doku, Antoine Semenyo, Savinho, Phil Foden, and Rayan Cherki, who can operate out wide. However, Savinho’s future is far from certain. In fact, it would be a surprise if Savinho were at City come the beginning of the 2026-27 season.
If Savinho were to leave Manchester City, they could do with signing another winger, especially if Manchester City’s next manager believes that Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki offer more playing either in midfield or as a number ten. Last year, City were linked with a move for Sporting CP winger Francisco Trincao. Portuguese publication A Bola reported that City had an interest in signing the technically gifted wide man. Trincao had an outstanding 2025-26 season for Sporting CP, and while he isn’t the most attractive winger who may be available, he could be ideal for the Manchester City squad.
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If Manchester City want a winger who can step in and contribute straight away, Trincao may be ideal.
Francisco Trincao had a superb 2025-26 season for Sporting CP. In 54 appearances in all competitions, he scored 13 goals and added 18 assists. Typically, Trincao operated as an attacking midfielder for Sporting CP and drifted all over the pitch. City already have that type of player in their squad, with Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden capable of playing that particular role. Where Trincao adds an option is his ability to play on the right or left wing; that is where you could see him adding value to Manchester City’s squad.
Francisco Trincao is a tremendously gifted player in terms of technical ability. He has the ability to play wide on the right and drift centrally onto his left foot. Trincao’s ability to cut inside and pick opposing defenses apart with his left foot is superb. It is a standout aspect of his play. Francisco Trincao is adept at creating chances for others, and he does have an eye for a defense-splitting ball. Erling Haaland would feast on Trincão’s ability to open up a packed defense. Especially if Trincao was brought by City to operate on the right wing and drift centrally.
Francisco Trincao is also a goal threat as evidenced by the fact that he scored 13 goals this season. His left foot can be lethal and he is adept at shooting from range. On top of passing and shooting, Trincao is adept at keeping possession with his dribbling under pressure and in tight spaces.
There is a case for Manchester City to potentially explore a summer move for Francisco Trincao. He would add a different dimension to City’s attacking play. If Savinho were to leave City as expected, Trincao could take his role in the City squad.
However, is Francisco Trincao too similar to what City already has?
The case for Manchester City to sign Francisco Trincao is appealing to a degree, especially if City want a player who can come in and play a role straight away. Trincao is 26 and in the prime of his career. However, perhaps there is one factor that could rule City out of a summer move for the Sporting CP star.
Manchester City already have two left-footed, technically brilliant and gifted players in Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden. Perhaps Trincao is too similar to those two. Trincao isn’t blessed with lightning pace or tremendous physical power. He is a technically gifted player who relies on his dribbling ability, intelligent movement, and ability to play in tight areas to create space, similar to what Cherki and Foden do. The case against City making a summer move for Trincao is that the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders already have that type of player in their squad.
Final thoughts.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Manchester City could be in the market for a winger this summer if, as expected, Savinho leaves the club. There doesn’t appear to be a big market for quality wingers at this stage. Of course, that could change once the summer transfer window kicks into gear. Hugo Viana may be looking for a proven wide man who is looking to take the next step in his career. Francisco Trincao could be that player, given his age, playing style, and strongest attributes. It is food for thought, if nothing else, as City look to strengthen their squad for their next era this summer.