FC Schalke 04 could see a significant financial boost from their potential promotion back to the Bundesliga, should former player Rodrigo Zalazar move to a new club for a substantial fee.
It is understood that the «Royal Blues» secured a ten percent sell-on clause when the midfielder transferred from Gelsenkirchen to Sporting Braga in 2023 for approximately six million euros. Now, he might be on the move again.
According to information from the Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Benfica has set its sights on Zalazar. Both clubs are reportedly already in contact to negotiate transfer terms. FC Porto and Sporting are also said to be interested.
A potential transfer fee of 30 million euros is being discussed. The Uruguayan international’s contract, which runs until 2028, also includes a release clause – mandatory in Portugal and Spain – of 50 million euros. Consequently, Schalke would receive a nine-figure sum in millions should Zalazar indeed move. His value could even increase further as a potential starter at the World Cup.
Zalazar is Having the Season of His Life
It is no surprise that Zalazar is being linked with such high figures. The 26-year-old is experiencing the season of his career at Braga. He had already impressed with strong performances in his first two seasons in Portugal and was named Portugal’s Footballer of the Year in 2025.
A transfer was anticipated at that point, but a move to St. Petersburg fell through despite a joint training camp. Zalazar remained with Braga and has truly taken off since. In 48 competitive matches, he boasts an impressive 31 goal contributions, including 23 goals. He has also been instrumental in his team’s Europa League semi-final qualification with four goals and one assist, winning the first leg against SC Freiburg 2-1.
A step up to one of Portugal’s top three clubs would be a logical progression. This financial windfall would provide Schalke with further capital for their Bundesliga squad. It is understood that the management, led by Frank Baumann, is planning several reinforcements to secure their place in the league next season.
Rodrigo Zalazar: Performance Data and Statistics This Season
| Matches | 42 |
| Goals | 23 |
| Assists | 8 |