SC Braga demands 30 million for Zalazar, and Benfica is trying to negotiate.

SC Braga shuts the door on complex negotiations: wants €30 million in cash for Zalazar and maintains a firm stance against proposals from Benfica

In the bustling Portuguese football market, a behind-the-scenes battle is taking on explosive contours between SC Braga and Benfica. The Minho club has issued a clear and uncompromising demand: forward Zalazar will only leave for €30 million, and exclusively in cash. This radical position from president António Salvador presents a direct challenge to the Eagles, who, despite everything, continue to attempt to lower the price through financial maneuvers.

Benfica is aware of the amount demanded by SC Braga, which remains inflexible against any attempts at alternative negotiation. The Lisbon club’s strategy involves trying to negotiate a partial purchase of the player’s rights, including clauses for future transfer profits, or even proposing the inclusion of players in the deal. However, António Salvador does not budge: he wants the full amount in cash, rejecting any other formats that do not involve the immediate payment of the requested value.

Among the options that Benfica is considering to entice SC Braga, the possible loan of Tiago Gouveia stands out. The 24-year-old winger, who was on loan at Nice, is now returning to Benfica but is not in the plans for the upcoming season. Gouveia is willing to move to Minho, but his high salary could complicate the deal, creating yet another obstacle in this already complex negotiation.

This situation places SC Braga in a clear position of strength. The Minho club is demonstrating that it is not to be trifled with and that it values its asset unwaveringly. For Benfica, the pressure is mounting, as it will have to decide between accepting the financial demands or missing out on a reinforcement opportunity that could be crucial for the next season.

With the market accelerating, the coming weeks will be decisive in determining whether Benfica can find ways to unlock this transfer or if it will have to back down in the face of the wall erected by SC Braga. The battle for Zalazar’s transfer promises to be one of the hottest episodes of this transfer window, with the outcome potentially significantly altering the landscape for both clubs in the upcoming season.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.