Wolves forward Francisco Trincao could be worried about his future if some fresh rumours linking Bruno Lage with another winger end up coming true.
Earlier this week, it was reported in the Portuguese media that the Premier League club are to make a bid for Benfica star Rafa Silva. Indeed, the article claims that an offer ‘may soon arrive’.
If that is the case, it could spell bad news for Trincao – TIF will explain why…
Trincao trouble
The young winger arrived in England this summer, having joined from Barcelona on loan for the season. While that deal did include an option to buy for £25m, it was not an obligation.
So Lage will be asking himself in these coming weeks whether Trincao has done enough to earn a permanent switch for that price.
Across the course of the season, he has been in and around the team, but has never quite nailed down a regular role. The 22-year-old has started 16 Premier League games, and come off the bench on nine more occasions – claiming just one league goal and assist in that time.
Of course, it’s not all about goals. Trincao has been able to show his other talents at times, and at one point in the season, he had the fourth-most nutmegs across all the players in the top five leagues.
Rafa Silva compared
The loanee has operated mainly on the right for Wolves this season, and the same can be said of Silva at Benfica. However, the 28-year-old has often featured more centrally and on the other flank. And so, this versatility may be of interest to Lage.
While the Wolves man has struggled for regular goal contributions, Silva has excelled this term with both goals and assists. Indeed, in all competitions, he has struck 12 times while setting up his teammates on a further 18 occasions.
When looking at that evident gulf in end product, it’s easy to see why Silva would be a tempting prospect.
would you want Francisco Trincao to join Wolves permanently?
Yes
No
TIF Verdict…
While Trincao is clearly not quite able to contribute as effectively as Silva, he is still six years younger, and so is probably one for the future.
Barcelona certainly saw the talent when they paid £26.5m for the youngster. However, that they are now potentially ready to offload him suggests they don’t see him ever reaching his full potential.
And that is the same dilemma Wolves face. They could splash the cash on Trincao and hope he comes good, or they can go out and buy Silva who is at his peak already – though that level may not be as high as what the 22-year-old could one day reach.
It remains unclear as to how it will play out, but if Trincao wants to stay in England, he may have to shine in the final few weeks of the season.
In other news: Journalist now claims Wolves 27 y/o ‘might’ have to leave pending one condition