Wolverhampton Wanderers could see loanee Francisco Trincao sign permanently from parent club Barcelona this summer if the winger is to finish the season strongly.
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According to transfer expert Pete O'Rourke, a deal could be agreed between Wolves and Barcelona that would also involve Adama Traore, who is currently on loan at the Catalonian giants. Should Trincao enjoy a strong end to the season, a swap deal could be agreed.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, O'Rourke said: “I think it’s fair to say Trincao has obviously got talent. If he has a good end to the season, I think Wolves will maybe look more favourably on a swap deal.
“But if it doesn’t end too well for Trincao, maybe they might look elsewhere to replace Traore and get that money from Barcelona if they can.”
Wolves may be keen to allow Traore to depart permanently should the right fee be offered with the Spaniard scoring just one goal before his move to his homeland. However, the 26-year-old already has more goal involvements in two appearances for Barcelona than he did in 20 for the Old Gold.
As for Trincao, the Portuguese's loan spell is still yet to get up and running, with the 22-year-old's only goal coming in a 4-0 EFL Cup win over Nottingham Forest in August.
It certainly appears as though manager Bruno Lage has spotted talent in the winger, with Trincao accumulating 1,059 minutes across all competitions thus far. However, goal contributions will have to start coming soon.
Wolves should avoid buying Trincao
Valued at £19.8m by Transfermarkt, it's unclear as to how much money Barcelona would request for Trincao's services on a permanent basis. Although, Barca's economic struggles could suggest the fee would exceed the 22-year-old's values.
Although the West Midlands club are enjoying an excellent season, goals have been at a shortage with just Burnley and Norwich City scoring fewer than their 21 in 24 matches.
Moreover, offensive output from out wide has been rare, with no current winger scoring in the Premier League yet this season.
Granted, if Wolves are to secure European qualification for next season, Lage will have to add depth to his squad. However, this could easily be done cheaper than purchasing Trincao.
It does appear that the Molineux outfit could well be keen on the idea of allowing Traore to depart on a permanent basis in order to receive funds that can be reinvested into the squad, but a swap deal would certainly see the Catalonians get the better side of the bargain.
In terms of league goal involvements, it's only taken Traore two matches to exceed Trincao's tally recorded within 19 appearances.
The 22-year-old has one goal and no assists across all competitions and, with Wolves approaching the business end of the season, Lage will need to see a significant improvement from the winger if his spell in the Black Country is to be extended this summer.
If his output doesn't improve and they still buy him, it will undoubtedly be seen as a nightmare, one that leaves fans seething considering his numbers.