Andreas Schjelderup went into the World Cup as a substitute. He left the championship as one of the tournament’s most sought-after youngsters. Now Benfica is faced with an “impossible choice”: Try to renew the contract – or sell for a fortune.
The Norwegian international came to the World Cup in silence, as a substitute in Norway’s squad. He left the championship as a starter – and goalscorer – in the drama against England (1-2). Two assists for Erling Haaland against Brazil (2-1) were no small thing. But Saturday’s game against England established the 22-year-old as one of Europe’s most exciting wingers. And it has not gone unnoticed.
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Now Schjelderup is seriously on the radar of sharks from the biggest leagues – and the price tag has skyrocketed.
Benfica in a bind
The relationship between Schjelderup and Benfica was already strained before the World Cup. The club has put a renewal proposal on the table, but the player has not yet responded. According to information A BOLA has gained access to, the process has not become easier. On the contrary.
Schjelderup is now seriously considering leaving Luz as early as this summer – despite the fact that he has two years left on his contract. That separates him from António Silva, who has one year left and has not renewed either. But Schjelderup is on the rise, and he knows it. Benfica knows it too.
For Marco Silva, the Norwegian is a relevant, valuable and perhaps urgent piece in the attack. Along with Aursnes – who are also out of the World Cup – Schjelderup is a certain absence when Benfica travel to Switzerland to face St. Gallen on July 23. Marco Silva himself has acknowledged this.
But Benfica’s sporting director, Mário Branco, and club president Rui Costa may see the situation differently.
Millions roll in – but one big deal is missing
Benfica have already earned over €40 million from minor sales and bonuses in the transfer window. But the club’s coffers still lack the big sales. It could well be Schjelderup.
A sale of the Norwegian would hurt Marco Silva. But it would also give Benfica financial leeway to bring in players the coach has already identified for several positions. It’s a classic dilemma: Keep the star – or sell to strengthen the team broadly.
Before the World Cup, and after a good end of the season, the price tag was around 40 million euros. It already seemed high. Now, after the World Cup glimpses, Benfica will not start negotiations for less. With two years left on their contract and a buyout clause of 100 million euros, they are in a strong negotiating position.
The dream of England
Schjelderup’s desire to play in England is no secret. The Premier League has never paid more attention to the Norwegian. Tottenham, Chelsea and Liverpool are all said to be monitoring the situation closely, according to the latest market information.
But the challenge for the clubs who want to sign him is twofold: Benfica are demanding a huge amount, and Schjelderup himself seems increasingly determined that the way forward is out of Lisbon.
Now a rest period awaits before he returns to Seixal. If the exit negotiations are not concluded by then, mandatory talks with Marco Silva, Mário Branco and Rui Costa await. The renewal proposal is on the table. But above all, the decision about the future lies in Schjelderup’s own hands.
“I feel robbed”
After the World Cup exit against England, Schjelderup was clearly affected. In an interview, he expressed frustration with the refereeing decisions and the feeling of being “robbed” for one of the greatest achievements in Norwegian football history.
But one thing is certain: No matter what happens in the future, Schjelderup has shown the world what he is good at. Now it’s up to Benfica – and the sharks circling – to decide how much they’re willing to pay for one of Europ’s most exciting football talents.
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