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July 18 (Reuters Sports Service) - Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli, the reigning Asian Champions League title holders for the last two editions, announced on Saturday the signing of Portuguese winger Francisco Trincao on a four-year contract from Sporting Lisbon.

Al-Ahly said via the X platform, along with a video of the player signing his contract to join the team, "From the land of sailors he came to dive into the depths of history... Welcome Trincao."

The player, who played for Portugal in the 2026 World Cup before being eliminated in the round of 16, appeared in the video holding the number 7 jersey that he will wear for the team.

The club added on its official website, "This signing reflects the club's confidence in Trincão's European experience, his ability to occupy several attacking positions as a versatile winger, his high technical skills, and his influential personality on the field, all of which are factors expected to add great value to the team."

Al-Ahly wished the Portuguese player success, expressing its confidence that he will be one of the pillars that will contribute to achieving the aspirations of its fans.

For his part, Trincão expressed his happiness at joining Al-Ahly, stressing that wearing the club's jersey represents an important milestone in his professional career.

He said, "I feel very proud to join Al Ahly, and I am aware of the status of this club, its history and its large fan base. What I witnessed of the passion of Al Ahly fans was one of the most prominent reasons that encouraged me to embark on this experience. I promise everyone that I will do my best alongside my teammates to achieve accomplishments and make the fans happy."

Trincão, 26, was born in Braga and joined Sporting Braga's academy at the age of 11, remaining with the club until he was 20. During that time, he had a brief stint with Porto, before his family preferred to bring him back to his hometown due to his young age and the difficulties of travel, so he could continue developing his talent in Braga within a supportive family environment.

Trincão rose to international prominence in 2018 when he led Portugal's under-19 team to victory in the European Championship, also finishing as the tournament's top scorer. This achievement paved the way for his rise to fame, leading to a move to Barcelona in 2020, before a loan spell in the English Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

After that overseas stint, Trincão returned to Portugal via Sporting Lisbon, where he regained his best form and contributed to the team winning the Portuguese league title, before deciding to embark on a new experience in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli, carrying with him a rich record of experience and great ambitions to continue shining in his football career.