Forty‑million euro lure: Al‑Ahli lands Portuguese World Cup star in Saudi

A roughly €40 million transfer fee sees Francisco Trincão leave Sporting Portugal for Al‑Ahli, marking a high‑profile move to Saudi Arabia for the Portuguese World Cup participant. The deal underscores the financial weight of the Saudi club in the current market.

De Portugese youngster spent his formative years at FC Porto and Braga, breaking through at the latter before earning a top‑flight transfer to FC Barcelona. At the Spanish side he was deployed as a left‑winger stand‑in for Lionel Messi, a role that offered limited opportunity to leave a lasting impression.

After a loan spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Trincão ultimately signed for Sporting, where he re‑established his career in his home country. In four seasons he amassed more than two hundred appearances, contributing 47 goals and 51 assists, and helped the club secure two league crowns and a domestic cup.

His performances earned him a place in the national team, winning the Nations League in 2025 and featuring at the 2025 World Cup. In the second group match against Uzbekistan, he entered the game with the side already leading 4‑0, adding 27 minutes of play.

Al‑Ahli makes a slordige €40 million payment to Sporting, and Trincão will not be earning a modest wage at his new club. The financial terms highlight the lucrative nature of the move for both player and former club.

At Al‑Ahli he will join former PSV player Matteo Dams, alongside Riyad Mahrez, Edouard Mendy, Ivan Toney and Merih Demiral, forming a star‑laden squad. The Portuguese international will meet several of his new teammates on home soil.

Zondag speelt Al‑Ahli een oefenwedstrijd in Portugal tegen Rio Ave, giving Trincão his first appearance for the Saudi side on familiar ground.