Looks like Liverpool and Tottenham are both keeping a close eye on Andreas Schjelderup. Benfica face growing pressure to keep hold of one of their most valuable young assets.
The Norwegian winger’s stock has risen sharply over the last six months. What looked like a likely January departure has turned into a battle to convince him to stay. In addition, clubs across Europe are now circling.
Italian outlet TuttomercatoWeb reported the Premier League pair are among the clubs tracking the Norwegian winger. Milan, Como and Atletico Madrid are also credited with interest.
Portuguese newspaper Record added that Schjelderup is particularly attracted by the prospect of playing in the Premier League. This has been a dream of his since childhood.
While no decision has been made and the 22-year-old remains happy in Lisbon, interest from England is becoming increasingly difficult for Benfica to ignore.
The latest attention comes after another positive showing at the World Cup. Schjelderup came off the bench in Norway’s 3-2 victory over Senegal. He impressed during a lively cameo, including one run that saw him beat three opponents before attempting to set up Erling Haaland.
Marco Silva connection remains relevant
There is another layer to this story which could become important if Schjelderup’s future becomes a major topic inside Benfica.
According to Record, Marco Silva was one of the coaches most interested in signing the winger during the January transfer window. At the time, Schjelderup was expected to leave and Benfica were actively considering a sale.
Silva, then former Fulham manager, made enquiries about the conditions of a possible transfer. The move never materialised, partly because Club Brugge were close to completing a deal worth around €15m (£12.9m). Also, José Mourinho blocked a West Ham approach a while ago.
Everything changed after Schjelderup’s famous brace against Real Madrid later that month. José Mourinho subsequently removed him from the market. The Norwegian went on to become an important part of Benfica’s squad.
It’s a bit ironic. Six months ago, Silva was exploring the possibility of taking Schjelderup away from Portugal. Today he has the helm at Benfica and is tasked with convincing the winger that his future should remain in Lisbon.
New contract still unanswered
Andreas Schjelderup’s rise has not gone unnoticed inside Benfica. The Portuguese club have already moved to protect their position by offering the winger a new contract running until 2031.
According to Record, the proposal would add three years to his current deal and increase his salary to €3.6m gross per season, more than double his existing earnings.
The offer remains on the table and Schjelderup has yet to provide a response.
That uncertainty is helping keep the market alive. Benfica are aware that clubs across England, Spain and Italy are monitoring developments. Meanwhile, the player himself has never hidden his admiration for the Premier League.
Benfica’s stance clear as valuation climbs
Andreas Schjelderup finished the 2025/26 season with 10 goals and seven assists in 43 appearances across all competitions, numbers that reflect the progress he has made since forcing his way back into Benfica’s plans. The club’s valuation has risen accordingly.
While Italian reports suggest Benfica president Rui Costa now values the winger at around €30m (£25.8m), Portuguese reports are even stronger. Record and O Jogo both state Benfica will only consider offers starting at €40m (£34.4m).
Inside the club, officials are convinced his value has climbed beyond that level following his breakthrough campaign.
Benfica’s confidence is understandable. The Norwegian looked close to leaving only a few months ago and now finds himself attracting attention from all around the continent, while continuing to enhance his reputation on the World Cup stage.
Either Liverpool or Tottenham could be Schjelderup’s preferred destination if he eventually leaves Benfica. The question now is whether either English club are prepared to test the Portuguese side’s resolve with an offer that matches their growing demands.