---
title: "Hearts 0-0 Benfica: Claudio Braga's future hangs in the balance"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/hearts-draw-benfica-amid-transfer-speculation-z5wlf
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Sports
published: 2026-08-13T19:45:44.925Z
modified: 2026-08-13T22:00:06.848Z
language: en-IN
---

# Hearts 0-0 Benfica: Claudio Braga's future hangs in the balance

Hearts drew 0-0 with Benfica in their Europa League qualifier, with their overall tie scoreline at 1-6. The club's head coach Wouter Vrancken remains hopeful of keeping star striker Claudio Braga, despite interest from several European clubs.

## Key takeaways

- Hearts played Benfica to a 0-0 draw in their Europa League qualifier.
- The aggregate score for the tie was 6-1 in favour of Benfica.
- Hearts manager Wouter Vrancken hopes to keep striker Claudio Braga amidst transfer speculation.
- Several players are currently injured for Hearts, including Harry Milne and Craig Halkett.

## What Happened

Heart of Midlothian played to a 0-0 draw against Benfica at Tynecastle in the second leg of their Europa League third qualifying round match. The aggregate score favoured Benfica 6-1, with Hearts expected to move into the Conference League play-off round.

## Background

Hearts manager Wouter Vrancken confirmed that the club has not received any concrete offers for striker Claudio Braga, who is last season's Scottish Footballer of the Year. Despite interest from clubs including Lyon and Trabzonspor, Vrancken hopes Braga will remain with the team beyond the transfer window, which closes on September 3. Braga's contract with Hearts runs until summer 2028, and the club is seeking between £8 million and £10 million for his transfer.

In addition, Vrancken provided an update on injured players, noting that defenders Craig Halkett, Stephen Kingsley, and Malachi Fagan-Walcott remain unavailable. Vice-captain Harry Milne is also out with a muscle injury but is expected to return to training after Sunday's match against Inverness.

## Key Facts

- Hearts drew 0-0 with Benfica in their Europa League qualifier.

- The aggregate score was 1-6 in favour of Benfica.

- Hearts is looking to sell striker Claudio Braga for between £8m and £10m.

- Several clubs, including Lyon and Trabzonspor, have shown interest in Braga.

- Injured Hearts players include Craig Halkett, Stephen Kingsley, Malachi Fagan-Walcott, and Harry Milne.

---
Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/hearts-draw-benfica-amid-transfer-speculation-z5wlf
Reported from: Multiple Sources