Barcelona could get a discount on transfer target Schjelderup as Benfica prepares an ultimatum

Barcelona’s pursuit of Norwegian winger Andreas Schjelderup has taken a decisive turn after Benfica informed the 21-year-old that he must either sign an improved deal with a steeper release clause or be placed on the market this summer, Portuguese daily A Bola reports. The Lisbon club’s hard-line stance could inadvertently hand the cash-strapped Catalans the bargaining leverage they have been seeking.

Schjelderup’s existing terms run until 2028 and already contain a €100 million buy-out figure—far beyond Barcelona’s current spending power. Benfia’s board, however, are ready to cash in for a significantly lower fee if the player rejects the proposed renewal. Local outlets suggest the Portuguese giants might accept around €20 million, a valuation that would drop further should Schjelderup follow the counsel of his representative, Rafaela Pimenta, and decline the new contract.

Barcelona’s interest is driven by long-term planning rather than instant impact. With fewer than 100 senior appearances for Benfica, Schjelderup is viewed as a developmental prospect who could eventually slot into the left-sided role currently occupied by loanee Marcus Rashford. Club sources indicate that if Rashford fails to impress in the season’s final months, Barcelona will pass on activating his purchase clause from Manchester United, clearing space for a younger, lower-cost alternative.

Competition is expected to intensify. Belgian side Club Brugge have already tabled a €12 million bid, and rival European clubs could yet drive the price upward. For Barcelona, the hope is that Schjelderup’s refusal to extend at Benfica will deter a bidding war and keep the fee within reach.

The operation fits the broader pattern at Camp Nou, where financial constraints have limited major outlays for several windows. Officials believe waiting for Benfica’s ultimatum to play out offers the best route to securing a highly rated talent at a manageable cost.

Barcelona, meanwhile, continue to monitor other targets as they map out squad changes ahead of the 2026–27 campaign, but Schjelderup remains a primary objective as they seek fresh attacking energy to complement an already youthful core.