Francisco Trincão arrived at FC Barcelona in August 2020 with much excitement and high expectations. The blaugrana club paid 30.9 million euros for the young Portuguese winger, who had shown flashes of talent at Benfica. However, the reality at Barça was different.
Despite the opportunities, Trincão didn't manage to establish himself in the first team. His adaptation to Barça's play style never fully materialized, and the criticism was quick to follow.
During his time in the Catalan capital, Trincão had isolated moments of quality, but the competition in the attack and the team's difficulties didn't allow him to stand out consistently. After a season in which he didn't become a key piece, Barcelona sought alternatives to recover part of the investment made.
The loan and Trincão's rebirth
Aware that the player wouldn't have an immediate future in the first team, Barça decided to loan him. First, the Portuguese winger went to Wolverhampton in the 2021-22 season.
The English club paid six million for his loan, but he also didn't manage to take off in the Premier League. It was then that the opportunity to continue his career at Sporting de Portugal appeared.
At Sporting, Trincão found the ideal environment to regain his level. There, he rediscovered his best version and began to shine. Not only did he become an important piece for his team, but in the UEFA Nations League, his skill led him to glory.
With two goals against Denmark, he qualified Portugal for the final four, raising his market value.
Barcelona's business with Trincão
Barcelona, which is going through severe economic problems, aimed to get some benefit from their investment in Trincão.
In his loan to Sporting, the club paid 3 million for the loan and 7 million for the mandatory purchase. Thus, Barça recovered 16 million of the 31 invested, a figure that, given the club's financial situation, is considered a relief.
Sporting de Portugal has the option to buy the player for 7 million, but Barça is in no hurry to end their relationship with Trincão. The Catalan club maintains a buyback option on the Portuguese winger until 2026, for a figure ranging between 20 and 25 million euros. It is unlikely that Barça will execute the clause, preferring to wait for a more lucrative sale.