Marco Silva has key trump card to keep two Benfica stars | OneFootball

Benfica remain committed to ensuring squad stability for 2026/27 and currently have two cases in hand considered a priority by the SAD. Despite the difficulties in negotiations, the Club believes there is still one factor capable of unlocking the situation, with Marco Silva potentially playing a decisive role in convincing two of the squad’s most important players to stay at the Luz.

One of the most urgent cases is that of António Silva, who enters the final year of his contract this Wednesday. The Portugal international has still not reached an agreement to renew, even though Benfica have already significantly improved the salary offer made to him. The centre-back is expected to begin the season as the first-choice option in defence and Marco Silva has been trying to show him complete confidence, guaranteeing him a prominent role in the Eagles’ sporting project.

The situation of Andreas Schjelderup is different, but it also deserves special attention. The Norwegian winger still has two seasons left on his contract, is currently away with his national team at the World Cup, and remains in Benfica’s plans for the future. The coach intends to speak to the player personally as soon as he returns, trying to convince him that the best option for his development is to continue wearing red.

In addition to the sporting aspect, Benfica are also strengthening their financial arguments in the negotiations, seeking to get closer to the players’ demands. In António Silva’s case, the goal is to reach figures close to those sought by the defender, while Schjelderup will be approached from a perspective of continuity and growth within the structure led by Marco Silva.

Benfica’s strategy is to avoid major changes to the squad and keep the team’s main figures. After securing reinforcements for the defence and continuing the search for a winger, the priority now is to complete the renewals of António Silva and Schjelderup, two players seen as key pieces for Marco Silva’s project at Benfica.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.