West Ham United appeared to consider Andreas Schjelderup as an alternative for an out-of-sorts Crysencio Summerville a few months ago. Now, Barcelona are scouting the Benfica winger.
How times have changed.
Back in January, Crysencio Summerville had gone 14 months without scoring a goal for West Ham United. Over in Lisbon, Schjelderup was struggling to win over Jose Mourinho at Portuguese giants Benfica.
When was the last time a West Ham player excited you so much?! 😍
A graphic on a quote from Jean-Clair Todibo on Crysencio Summerville reading: "When he takes the ball, I think everyone is scared in the league."
Credit: Getty Images/Rob Newell – CameraSport
Flash forward two months and, while Nuno is desperate to have Summerville back at his disposal following a recent calf injury, Schjelderup has reportedly caught the eye of the La Liga leaders.
Barcelona eye West Ham United-linked Andreas Schjelderup
O Jogo claim that Barcelona scouts were in attendance to watch the £22 million-rated Norway international continue his ‘period of brilliance’ with ‘another high-level performance’ in Benfica’s 2-1 victory over Arouca. He provided an assist in that game.
Of the eleven goal contributions provided in 2025/26, six of those have come since Schjelderup ran Real Madrid ragged with a brace which secured Benfica’s progression into the Champions League knockout-rounds.
Andreas Schjelderup after SL Benfica v Real Madrid C.F. - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8
Photo by Octavio Passos – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
It was Gianluca di Marzio in January who claimed that West Ham had ‘entered negotiations’ with Mourinho’s capital city giants. Of course, there is a chance that the Hammers could return in the summer.
Summerville did not rule out leaving the London Stadium when asked about his future recently. Napoli and Roma have already been linked, and there is likely to be even more interest come the summer.
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
“It’s a bit surreal how things have changed in the last few months,” Schjelderup admits when quizzed on Barcelona’s interest. “That [4-2 win over Real Madrid] was probably the best day of my life.
“It’s fantastic if [Barcelona wanting me] is true.”
What would you sacrifice for FA Cup GLORY?
Surely not your Premier League status…
Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United celebrates the win after the Premier League match between Fulham and West Ham United at Craven Cottage in London, England, on March 4, 2026.
Nuno hopes to have Summerville back for FA Cup quarter-finals
West Ham, of course, will not be losing too much sleep, even if Schjelderup would have come in handy against Aston Villa and Man City.
Their interest in the 21-year-old schemer appeared to dissipate pretty quickly once Summerville ended his long goal drought; that confidence-boosting strike in the FA Cup against Queens Park Rangers paving the way for Summerville to emulate Jesse Lingard and become the first West Ham player since 2021 to score in five successive games.
Hammers News have been told that Summerville could return against former employers Leeds in the cup semi-finals after the international break.
“We are assessing day by day,” Nuno told Sky Sports at Villa Park on Sunday. “He is improving, but it is too soon to tell the exact date he will return.
“Hopefully he returns and gives us a hand.”
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox