Schjelderup's World-Class Performance: Renewal Complications, Benfica's Coffers Benefit

Andreas Schjelderup made a quiet entrance at the World Cup, coming off the bench for Norway, but he exited as a starter and the goal-scorer in their 2-1 clash against England. While two assists for Erling Haaland in the 2-1 victory over Brazil were already significant, Saturday's match solidified the 22-year-old Benfica winger as one of the tournament's breakout young talents, now firmly on the radar of major European clubs.

The Norwegian international's stock has risen, and he now appears too valuable for a Benfica side that won't even be competing in the UEFA Champions League. Relations between the player, his inner circle, and the Lisbon club were already somewhat strained due to disagreements during contract renewal talks, but they now seem even more difficult to reconcile.

Schjelderup, as Benfica president Rui Costa has previously stated, has a contract renewal offer on the table but has yet to respond. According to information obtained by A BOLA, the process has not become any easier, as the player is seriously considering a summer departure from the Estádio da Luz, despite having two years remaining on his current contract.

Unlike António Silva, who has only one year left and also hasn't renewed with the Eagles, Schjelderup is in high demand and knows it. Benfica, naturally, is also aware of the situation, and a new stance might be adopted, even if it's a tough pill for Marco Silva to swallow.

For the Benfica coach, the winger is a crucial and valuable asset, perhaps even urgent, for their Europa League campaign. This is despite Schjelderup and Aursnes, fresh from their World Cup elimination, being confirmed absentees, as Marco Silva acknowledged after the Flamengo match, for the July 23rd clash against St. Gallen in Switzerland. The club's board, however, might view the situation differently.

Benfica has already generated over 40 million euros from smaller deals and market transactions, but a blockbuster sale is still pending. That lucrative deal could very well be Schjelderup, which would be a loss for Marco Silva but also a way to acquire players the coach has identified for multiple positions.

Schjelderup's desire to play in England has long been known, and the Premier League has never been more attentive to the player. Tottenham, Chelsea, and Liverpool are reportedly on his radar, according to the latest market intelligence. However, they will have to contend with the other side of the coin: if things have become difficult for Benfica regarding the Norwegian international's renewal, they haven't necessarily become easier for any club looking to pry him away from the Estádio da Luz.

Before the World Cup, and following a strong end to the season, which contrasted sharply with Benfica's overall team performance, the asking price was around 40 million euros and seemed difficult to reach. Now, however, Benfica will not entertain a deal for anything less. This is the internal sentiment, bolstered by the security of a two-year contract and a shark-proof release clause of €100 million.

Schjelderup is due for a break before returning to Seixal, and if no transfer negotiations materialize by then, he will have mandatory discussions with Marco Silva, Mário Branco, Benfica's general director, and Rui Costa. A contract renewal will be on the table, but more importantly, the conditions for a potential departure will be a key topic.