Saturday, August 26, 2023

Benfica open to moving Schjelderup for right price

Benfica Blog
Benfica's young winger Andreas Schjelderup wants to move from the Lisbon club after spending just half a season in which the 20 year old has played a mere three games. With the arrival of Angel di Maria and the expected return of Goncalo Guedes on loan from Wolves the youngster sees that continuing this season.

Schjelderup arrived from Nordsjaelland in January for €9M and is signed with the club until the summer of 2028, Benfica are looking for at least €15M to let the Norwegian depart but still want to keep a percentage of the players rights if they do so. The likely move that Schjelderup could expect is a loan away from the club for the season with AZ Alkmaar said to be interested.

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Benfica looking at San Lorenzo right back Giay

Benfica Blog
Benfica are looking to the future and have put San Lorenzo's 19 year old right back Agustin Giay on their to get list during this current transfer window. The two clubs have already discussed Giay, who has been on Benfica's radar for some time now.

Although only 19 years old, Giay has been a regular starter this season at San Lorenzo and is the current captain of Argentina's U20 side. Benfica's interest to add Giay to its main squad is bad news for Joao Victor who was penciled in as Alexander Bah's back up this season.

Benfica are hoping to add Giay for a relative bargain as the two clubs continue talks on a purchase price.

Monday, August 21, 2023

Roger Schmidt dropped the ball in Vlachodimos situation

Benfica Blog

Benfica manager Roger Schmidt may be facing his first turbulent moment since arriving in Lisbon when it comes to the situation with the clubs long time number one keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos. Schmidt singled out the 29 year old Greek international in the teams opening season loss to Boavista in an interview and then went as far as to pull him from the clubs starting XI going into Week 2 of the season.

This did not sit well with Vlachodimos who went to speak to the manager in person, this led to an argument that saw the Greek keeper taken out of the match day squad all together. Vlachodimos was unhappy by the criticisms made by Schmidt publicly from his performance in Week 1 and now feels that the only solution may be to depart from the club. 

Schmidt's handling of the situation may have also ruffled some feathers in the dressing room were the Greek keeper has friends who are sure to not be impressed by Schmidt's inability to keep the situation in house. Vlachodimos has been with Benfica since the summer of 2018, appearing in 225 games for the club, while capturing two League Championships and two Super Cups.

Manchester United and Ajax are said to be two clubs interested in the keepers services.