Rodrigo Zalazar: Benfica delay ‘to hand’ Sporting edge in Braga pursuit | OneFootball

Benfica have signalled interest to Braga, but a lack of action could leave them behind Sporting in the race for Rodrigo Zalazar. The Lisbon club have told Braga they are likely to bid only after settling the Georgiy Sudakov case.

A Bola reports that the Lisbon derby has moved off the pitch, with another face-off looming for Zalazar after Issa Doumbia and João Palhinha. Sporting could gain the upper hand given Benfica’s passivity.

The report added that Benfica were first to approach Braga about the Uruguayan and learned the financial demands. However, they plan to open formal talks only once the Sudakov situation is resolved.

With that delay, Sporting are said to have moved ahead, taking a more assertive stance to sign the midfielder. The report said they do not want to wait for Morten Hjulmand’s exit and aim to guard against their captain’s expected summer departure.

This season for Braga, Zalazar, valued at €22 million, has played 46 games, 27 in Liga Portugal Betclic, 15 in the Europa League, two in the Taça de Portugal and two in the Taça da Liga. Across 3,286 minutes, he has 23 goals and eight assists.

Source: Glorioso 1904