SL Benfica continue to consider Rodrigo Zalazar a top target for next season, but negotiations are proving far from easy.
The Portuguese giants see the midfielder as an important addition for the future, yet several obstacles are slowing down the operation. One of the biggest issues concerns the player’s salary demands. Zalazar reportedly wants to become the highest-paid player in the Benfica squad if he joins the club, asking for a salary even higher than Nicolás Otamendi. This request is currently being carefully evaluated by Benfica’s management.
At the same time, SC Braga are also maintaining a strong position in negotiations. Braga president António Salvador is asking for around €30 million to sell the Uruguayan midfielder this summer.
Benfica tried to lower the cash amount by proposing a player exchange involving Heorhii Sudakov, but Braga immediately rejected the idea. Despite this, Benfica remain open to selling Sudakov separately in order to raise funds and continue their pursuit of Zalazar.
The situation is still open, especially because other clubs - like Sporting CP - are also monitoring the player closely. Timing, financial strength and the quality of future offers could become decisive factors in one of Portugal’s most interesting transfer stories of the summer.