Benfica want Portuguese U21 star, but Rui Costa hesitant to pay | OneFootball

Rui Costa does not want to pay Braga the amount demanded for Roger Fernandes. The player has been monitored by Benfica for several months and, on the last day of the transfer window in Portugal, António Salvador rejected an offer of 30 million euros for the winger.

Al Ittihad was willing to offer a hefty sum for the young Portuguese international, but the president of Braga pointed to the 40 million euro release clause for Roger Fernandes, an amount beyond Benfica’s means.

Chelsea and Nottingham Forest also showed interest in the winger and, according to the newspaper Record, made a similar offer to António Salvador, with an additional 10 million euros based on performance objectives.

Even so, the top Braga official refused to let go of one of the greatest talents from the academy led by Carlos Vicens. The club’s intransigence means that Benfica has crossed Roger’s name off their list of signings, even though the youngster continues to be closely watched.

In 2024/2025, wearing Braga’s shirt, Roger Fernandes – valued at 22 million euros – appeared in 48 matches: 28 in Liga Portugal Betclic, 14 in the Europa League, four in the Portuguese Cup, and two in the League Cup. In total, Benfica’s new target recorded 3,019 minutes, scoring five goals and providing four assists.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.