Marco Silva tries to block Chelsea transfer after winger talks – Club may have to sell
Chelsea’s reported interest in Andreas Schjelderup has been met by a determined response from inside Benfica. Marco Silva has personally stepped in to try to convince the winger to stay.
The Norwegian international has emerged as one of the Portuguese club’s most valuable assets after an impressive World Cup. While Chelsea have again been linked with a moveLiverpool and Tottenham have also featured in previous reports surrounding his future.
According to Portugal’s Morning MailMarco Silva has already spoken directly to Schjelderup. He wanted to stress how important he considers the 22-year-old to his plans at Benfica.
The manager reportedly told the winger he sees him as a fundamental part of both his tactical system and the project.
Marco Silva trying to change player’s mind
Silva is said to be fully aware of the situation surrounding Schjelderup. That includes the player’s decision not to respond to Benfica’s contract renewal offer. In addition, there is growing transfer interest generated by his performances at the World Cup.
Schjelderup is currently on holiday following Norway’s elimination and is not expected back until later this month. Consequently, this is giving Benfica little opportunity to resolve his future immediately.
Correio da Manhã adds that Silva wants to persuade the winger to remain in Lisbon despite knowing the player had been planning to continue his career in a more competitive league. Therefore, he ignored Benfica’s renewal proposal.
Chelsea remain in the picture
Schjelderup enhanced his reputation during the World Cup, scoring against England in the quarter-finals. He also provided two assists for Erling Haaland in Norway’s victory over Brazil.
Correio da Manhã says those displays have made him an even more attractive target. Chelsea are among the English clubs showing interest as a result.
Liverpool and Tottenham have also been linked with the winger in previous reports from Italy and Portugal. However, neither club is mentioned in the latest Portuguese update.
The World Cup has also strengthened Benfica’s position in negotiations. While Record continues to report that the club’s minimum asking price stands at €40m (£34.4m), Correio da Manhã recently claimed the figure could now be closer to €50m (£43m). This increase comes following Schjelderup’s performances in the tournament.
Benfica face important decision
Record also reports that Benfica are open to selling Schjelderup this summer. This follows after his value increased on the biggest stage.
The newspaper notes that the club failed to qualify for the Champions League and may look to generate a significant transfer fee. Schjelderup is now regarded as one of the squad’s biggest assets. This is after contributing 10 goals and seven assists in 43 appearances last season.
Benfica have offered the former Nordsjaelland winger a new contract until 2031 worth a total of €18m (£15.5m), but he has yet to commit to fresh terms.
That leaves the Portuguese club balancing Marco Silva’s desire to keep one of his key attacking players against the growing possibility of a lucrative sale if Chelsea, or another interested Premier League club, decide to make their move.
