Sporting Lisbon have agreed a deal to sign Rodrigo Zalazar from Sporting Braga for a reported fee of €30 million, a transfer that will also see FC Schalke 04 receive a financial boost. The agreement, reported by Fabrizio Romano, includes a ten percent sell-on clause negotiated by Schalke when Zalazar moved to Braga last year.
Schalke are set to profit by approximately €3 million from the deal, as a result of the clause inserted during the Uruguayan’s transfer from Gelsenkirchen to Braga in 2023. The Royal Blues received a fee of €6 million for Zalazar at the time, but strategically included the sell-on percentage in anticipation of a future move.
Zalazar joined Schalke in 2022 and quickly became a key player, featuring in 55 competitive matches for the club and contributing 9 goals and 13 assists. His performances were instrumental during Schalke’s campaign, though ultimately they were relegated from the Bundesliga. He remained with the club through their subsequent promotion campaign, before moving to Braga.
Sporting Lisbon are bolstering their midfield options with the addition of the 26-year-old, who has impressed in the Portuguese Primeira Liga with Braga. The move provides Zalazar with the opportunity to play for one of Portugal’s top clubs and compete in European competitions. The transfer represents a significant profit for both Schalke and Braga, while strengthening a rival for Sporting.
Schalke’s financial situation has improved following their promotion back to the Bundesliga, and this additional income from Zalazar’s transfer will further aid their rebuilding efforts. The club will be hoping to use the funds to strengthen their squad and consolidate their position in the German top flight.
