When Marco Silva took over as Benfica coach from Jose Mourinho, he was quickly asked about Andreas Schjelderup. The Norwegian had played his way out of the “freezer” under Mourinho in the latter part of the 2025/26 season – convincing one of the world’s most high-profile coaches that he is one of the club’s most important attacking resources.
Silva was clear: He wanted and hoped that Schjelderup stayed. And Benfica has this summer clearly shown how important the Norwegian World Cup hero is for the club.
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More clubs on the radar
The Norwegian winger has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs for several months. Earlier this summer, Barcelona was also in the picture. But on Tuesday, the transfer window closed in both the Premier League and La Liga – and the 22-year-old continues at Benfica.
Schjelderup has two years left on his contract with the Portuguese giants. Transfermarkt values him at 40 million euros. But the price tag that was 60 million euros at the beginning of the summer was no longer relevant towards the end of the window. Interested parties were told after the World Cup that the price was now the same as the buyout clause.
– Fundamental for Benfica
“Andreas is fundamental for Benfica and the way we want to play. He came from a good World Cup and was not in the pre-season. We are building him up carefully,” Marco Silva said in early August.
Before the World Cup, Benfica president Rui Costa gave an update on the situation:
“The proposal for a contract extension lies with him. There is no urgency – he is not in his last year of contract. We are waiting for an answer. When he comes back from the World Cup, we will talk to him.
At the end of August, he followed up:
“We hope Schjelderup renews.
Pay – or steer clear
It was not based on the interest from other big clubs. But with a buyout clause of 100 million euros and a clear message of “pay, or steer clear”, Benfica effectively blocked all advances. The Portuguese club is betting big on Schjelderup extending the deal.
Over the next few months, it will probably become clear whether the parties will agree on a continuation. With less than two years left on his contract, this winter’s transfer window will be Benfica’s last opportunity to cash in big for the 22-year-old – if he does not extend.
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Benfica closed the door to the Premier League clubs this summer. It is clear that this is a club that is willing to go to great lengths to keep the Norwegian international.
Benfica, who have one draw and two wins in the Primeira Liga start, are in action again on Saturday away to Maritimo.
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