Rui Costa assures that Schjelderup stayed at Benfica due to an internal decision.

Rui Costa has poured cold water on the recent statements from Belgium and put an end to speculation regarding Andreas Schjelderup’s future at Benfica. The Benfica president made a point of clarifying matters and categorically denied any connection between the young Norwegian’s performance against Real Madrid and the alleged refusal of a lucrative transfer to Club Brugge.

The leader of the eagles was categorical in stating, during the General Assembly this Saturday, that the departure of Schjelderup for eight million euros was never on the table, thus dismantling the version of Dévy Rigaux, the sporting director of the Belgian club, who publicly claimed that the deal fell through due to the winger’s prominence in the Youth League, particularly after scoring two goals against the Spanish giant. Rui Costa declared: “Schjelderup was not going to leave for 8 million euros. Brugge wanted to buy for 8 million euros, they offered that amount. He was never going to leave for that value. I assure you, never! It was not because of the game against Real Madrid that he stayed at Benfica; he stayed because we had the patience to wait.”

This controversy takes on even more significance at a time when Benfica is facing numerous attempts to recruit its young talents, with Schjelderup being one of the most sought-after players in the European market. The public statement from the president serves not only to protect the club’s interests but also to reinforce confidence in the strategy of valuing players developed in Seixal. The context could not be more sensitive: after a season marked by great performances in European youth competitions, rumors of premature departures have become recurrent, fueling discomfort among fans and the club’s structure.

On the side of Club Brugge, frustration was evident in the words of Dévy Rigaux, who lamented the outcome of the process at the end of May, stating on the ‘MidMid’ podcast: “If I hadn’t scored two goals against Real Madrid, I could be a player for Club Brugge.” These statements suggest that the Belgian club believed they had the deal practically sealed before the European match, something now categorically denied by Rui Costa. The difference in narratives between the two clubs underscores the growing tension between teams competing for young talent on an international level.

The words of Benfica’s president are, therefore, a clear signal that the club is determined to hold onto its prized assets and resist the temptation of quick sales, even in the face of financially tempting offers. Ensuring Schjelderup’s continuation is also a message to major rivals and the market itself: Benfica prefers to invest in the sporting development of its young players rather than yield to the immediate pressure of easy money. This stance could be crucial in maintaining the competitiveness of the squad and strengthening the sporting project in the medium term.

The controversy is far from forgotten and promises to continue generating reactions in the coming days, both in Portugal and Belgium. The focus now shifts to Schjelderup’s performance in the upcoming season and Benfica’s ability to resist new approaches from foreign clubs. All eyes will be on the Norwegian’s development and the resolve of the Benfica management to keep the young talent at the Luz, at a time when market pressure is increasing and the promises from Seixal continue to be coveted by European giants.

The outcome of this saga could influence not only the Benfica squad but also the way the club is perceived on the international stage regarding asset management and investment in youth development. Rui Costa’s message is clear: the club is not willing to part with its most promising young players for amounts it considers below their potential, and it is prepared to face the advances of other clubs with the conviction of those who believe in their sporting project. It remains to be seen whether this stance will have an effect and whether the promised stability will translate into titles and performance on the field in the upcoming season.

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