Tottenham, as things stand, are reported to be the leading contenders to sign Norway forward Andreas Schjelderup, but what would he bring to Spurs?
Schjelderup has spent the past year proving he belongs on the biggest stage.
The Norwegian winger is fresh off a breakthrough season with Benfica, finishing 25/26 with 10 goals and seven assists in 43 appearances across all competitions.
Those numbers only tell part of the story. Schjelderup became one of Benfica’s most dangerous attacking outlets, regularly unsettling defenders with his quick feet, intelligent movement and willingness to attack one-on-one.
His reputation climbed even higher during the World Cup.
Initially used as a squad player by Norway, Schjelderup forced his way into the starting line-up with a series of eye-catching displays. He finished the tournament with one goal and three assists, including a superb strike against England in the quarter-finals and two assists for Erling Haaland in a memorable victory over Brazil.
By the end of the competition, he had become one of the tournament’s breakout stars.
Roberto De Zerbi likes wide players who are brave enough to receive possession in tight spaces and creative enough to unlock stubborn defences, explaining their well-documented interest in Savinho, but Schjelderup ticks both boxes too.
The ‘joy to watch‘ is capable of drifting inside onto his stronger right foot, but he is equally happy stretching the pitch and taking full-backs on down the outside.
At just 22, there is also plenty of room for improvement.
He already looks comfortable in possession, presses with intensity and has shown he can produce goals and assists against high-level opposition.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
A Bola is one of Portugal’s most respected sports newspapers and is particularly well connected to Benfica. It has a long history of reporting on transfer activity involving Portuguese clubs, although early negotiations can evolve quickly. Sport Witness accurately translates and contextualises foreign reports rather than presenting them as original exclusives. |
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Finances |
Tottenham are reportedly willing to offer around £34 million, but Benfica’s valuation has increased following Schjelderup’s World Cup displays. Earlier reports suggested £34m could secure a deal, yet recent claims indicate the Portuguese club now want closer to £44 million despite his £85m release clause. |
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Insight |
Schjelderup is an intelligent attacker whose biggest strengths are close control, creativity and decision-making in the final third. Rather than relying purely on pace, he manipulates defenders with clever movement and quick combinations. His performances for both Benfica and Norway suggest he is developing into a complete modern winger. |
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Impact |
Schjelderup would give Tottenham another unpredictable attacking option capable of creating chances as well as scoring goals. His technical ability suits De Zerbi’s possession-based style, while his age means he could continue improving alongside the club’s other young talents and become a key player for many years. |
The race for his signature is growing, however.
Several Premier League clubs have monitored his progress, while Benfica know his value has increased significantly following an outstanding domestic season and an impressive World Cup.
Any club hoping to sign him now is likely to face fierce competition as well as a substantial asking price.
Tottenham ready £34m bid for Andreas Schjelderup after entering pole position
According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Tottenham are currently leading the chase for Schjelderup.
The report, relayed by Sport Witness, claims Spurs are prepared to submit an offer worth around £34 million including bonuses. However, Benfica are understood to want a higher figure after the winger’s stock rose dramatically during the World Cup.
The report also suggests Schjelderup is seriously considering leaving Lisbon this summer.
Benfica remain hopeful of persuading him to sign a new contract, but negotiations have progressed slowly and there is growing belief that a move could suit both player and club if the right offer arrives.
Tottenham may have an advantage, but they are unlikely to get a bargain.
Benfica have every reason to negotiate from a position of strength. Schjelderup is under contract until 2028, has an £85m release clause and has just enjoyed the best spell of his career.
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They are under no immediate pressure to accept the first bid that arrives, but from a Spurs perspective, this feels like a transfer worth pursuing.
Elite young wingers with proven end product at club level and growing international pedigree rarely become available for anything close to £34 million.
If Tottenham can convince Benfica to compromise, this could prove one of the smartest deals of the summer.
