Andreas Schjelderup has become one of Benfica’s most valuable assets, but it is not necessarily contradictory to extend the contract with the Norwegian – and then sell him.
The emergence of Andreas Schjelderup at Benfica is one of the positive stories this season in Lisbon. The Norwegian initially struggled to adapt to a more demanding competitive environment than the one he came from, and his first full season in the first team showed that he needed time to grow.
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There is no rush the 22-year-old has a deal until the summer of 2028, but a longer deal means a higher price. -That’s just the way it is
The situation from the 2024/25 season will always be on the retina: the 2-2 goal by Arouca at the Estádio da Luz, where Schjelderup did not follow the moves, and from a distance saw an opponent score the goal that gave Sporting the advantage in the championship.
He has also been through a difficult personal case with the Danish judiciary – something that should be taken into account when assessing his performance. After that case was solved, he was mentally better equipped, while José Mourinho gave him clear messages along the way.
Then came the celebratory performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League. Together with subsequent appearances, it finally confirmed expectations: Benfica was sitting on an asset of high sporting and financial value – as long as he maintained the competitive instinct that grew from that moment.
That is precisely why an extension makes sense.
Extension – to resell?
A-Bola writes that an extension, however, does not necessarily mean that Schjelderup will stay for many years at Luz. On the contrary – it can actually accelerate a sale.
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Extensions are often asset management tools. You extend not only to keep a player, but also to control his future better. Especially in a model that Portuguese clubs have to follow: regular player sales.
If Schjelderup improves his contract, Benfica strengthens its negotiating position vis-à-vis interested clubs – and reduces the risk of ending up in a difficult contract situation later on.
The absence of Champions League revenue hits all clubs hard. Without that source of income, the pressure to generate money through sales increases. With his age, development potential and international profile – with a place in Norway’s World Cup squad – Schjelderup fits perfectly into the profile of a player who can generate a bigger transfer.
However, the news of a possible extension could affect potential buyers. They know that the player will then be more expensive. Therefore, it is urgent to act – because as one understands, it is not at all contradictory to extend and sell. Especially in times of need for fresh funds.
We already know that several Premier League clubs are taking a closer look at the Norwegian left winger. – The development is evident in Transfermarkt’s estimated value, it has almost tripled in a year.
