Vrancken discusses Braga's future and Benfica challenge ahead
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 2:31 PM
Last updated Aug 12, 2026

Wouter Vrancken, head coach of Hearts, addressed the media ahead of their Europa League match against Benfica. He confirmed that striker Claudio Braga is staying for now, emphasizing his commitment despite speculation about potential transfers. Vrancken acknowledged the team's lack of experience in European competition and their need to compete at a higher level, particularly against a strong Benfica side. The squad remains boosted by a recent victory over Dundee United, which Vrancken hopes will build confidence as they prepare for Thursday's match.
- •Vrancken confident Braga remains committed amid transfer speculation
- •Hearts will face Benfica in the third round of Europa League qualifiers
- •Team seeks to improve competitive level against experienced opponents
- •Recent win over Dundee United boosts squad confidence
- •Vrancken hopes for more results to support fan engagement
- 2:31 PMYahoo Sports — Vrancken on Braga's future, Benfica test and confidence boost
"Head coach Wouter Vrancken has been speaking to the media before the second leg of Hearts' third-round Europa League qualifier with Benfica. Vrancken admits star striker Claudio Braga has spoken to him about his future but that those talks will remain confidential, with the Belgian coach fully confident that "as long as he's here" last season's PFA Scotland player of the year will remain "100 per cent committed". Vrancken says the Portuguese striker is "staying at the moment" as he's not aware of any "concrete bids" for the player, who's been linked in the media with a possible move away from the club following the departures of Lawrence Shankland, Cammy Devlin and, just this week, Alexandros Kyziridis.
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