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Andreas Schjelderup Avoids Benfica Contract Questions Ahead of Norway Clash with Portugal
Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup declined to address ongoing negotiations regarding his contract extension while speaking to reporters on international duty. The 20-year-old Norwegian international, whose current deal runs until June 2028, faced repeated questions from Portuguese journalists during a press conference ahead of Sunday’s UEFA Nations League fixture against Portugal.
“I’m just focused on playing and enjoying football every day and every game,” Schjelderup stated in response to the first inquiry, as reported by Portuguese media. “It’s good to have agents and other people around you so you can just focus on football. I’m very happy at Benfica and I’m enjoying it there and in the national team.”
When pressed a second time on the status of the talks, the winger maintained his stance. “As I said, I’m just focused on enjoying football every day. I have people who take care of that, I only focus on football,” he added.
Social Media Dismentals and Club Context
Recent reports in Portuguese media claimed that Schjelderup had rejected an initial renewal offer from the Lisbon club. However, according to desportonews.com, the player took to social media to refute those claims directly, leaving a comment on an Instagram fan page urging users to stop spreading false stories.
Benfica president Rui Costa previously confirmed the club’s desire to secure the youngster’s long-term future. Speaking on June 11, Costa noted that a renewal proposal is currently in the player’s hands. “The proposal for Schjelderup’s renewal is in Schjelderup’s own hands, and therefore he will have to accept,” Costa stated, adding that the matter was not immediately urgent since the contract extends through 2028.
Bernt Hulsker, a football analyst for the Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet cited by desportonews.com, observed that the player’s increased responsibility at Benfica has turned him into a standout performer. Schjelderup has featured in six of Benfica’s seven official matches this season, including a start against Scottish side Hearts in the UEFA Europa League.
Shifting Status for Norway Ahead of Portugal Test
Schjelderup also reflected on Norway’s rising profile following an impressive run to the quarter-finals at the 2026 World Cup, where the squad eliminated Brazil before exiting in extra time against England. “Because of our performances at the World Cup, our status in the world has changed a bit,” the winger said. He pointed to teammates Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard as factors adding pressure on the team to perform as favorites.
Recalling the historic victory over Brazil, Schjelderup called the experience surreal. “The moment I remember best was when Erling made it 2-0 at the 90th minute,” he said, noting Neymar’s subsequent stoppage-time goal. “That was when I felt ‘we’re actually going to beat Brazil at the World Cup.'”
Looking ahead to the match against Portugal at the Ullevaal Stadion, the Benfica attacker acknowledged that the atmosphere will differ from domestic club games in Portugal. “To be honest, the atmosphere here cannot be compared to that of the Luz or the Dragão, but I hope the fans at Ullevaal have a good night tomorrow to at least try to intimidate the Portuguese players a bit,” Schjelderup said.
Frequently Asked Questions
Until when is Andreas Schjelderup contracted with Benfica?
Andreas Schjelderup has a contract with Benfica that runs until June 2028.
What did Benfica president Rui Costa say about the player’s renewal?
Rui Costa confirmed that a contract renewal proposal was handed over to Schjelderup for the player to evaluate and decide upon.
How did Schjelderup respond to rumors about rejecting Benfica’s offer?
Schjelderup used Instagram to dispute claims of a rejected offer, commenting on a fan page to ask that unverified media reports stop being spread.
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