C helsea’s interest in Andreas Schjelderup appears to have run into an immediate obstacle. Fresh reports from Portugal claim the Benfica winger is prioritising a move to a club playing Champions League football.
The 22-year-old has become one of the most talked-about names at Benfica after a breakthrough second half of last season. His performances have attracted attention from across Europe.
Liverpool and Tottenham have already been linked with the Norway international through reports from Italy. Meanwhile, Benfica continue trying to tie him down to a new contract.
Now Portuguese newspaper Record has added an interesting twist. It reveals Chelsea have already made contact to understand the conditions of a potential transfer.
According to the report, those initial enquiries have not significantly advanced because Schjelderup’s priority is to join a club competing in the Champions League if he leaves Benfica this summer.
Chelsea enquiry meets immediate obstacle
Record states Chelsea have sounded out the possibility of signing the winger alongside Milan, but neither option is considered especially attractive by the player.
Simple enough, Schjelderup wants Champions League football. Chelsea are not involved in European competition next season, while Milan will play in the Europa League.
That leaves clubs able to offer Europe’s premier competition in a considerably stronger position should Benfica eventually agree to negotiate.
The report also underlines why newly-qualified Como remain optimistic despite Benfica’s asking price. Cesc Fabregas’ side will play in the Champions League and are now exploring ways to structure a deal. They may either negotiate Benfica below their €40m (£34.4m) valuation or propose an initial loan with an obligation to buy.
Benfica still hold the cards
Benfica remain in a strong negotiating position after Schjelderup’s dramatic rise in value.
Only a few months ago the Norwegian looked likely to leave, with Club Brugge coming close to agreeing a deal. However, José Mourinho changed his mind following the winger’s memorable brace against Real Madrid.
Since then Schjelderup has recorded 10 goals and seven assists in 43 appearances. He has carried that form into the World Cup with Norway. Furthermore, he has established himself as one of Benfica’s biggest assets.
His contract runs until 2028 and includes a €100m (£86m) release clause. Although Benfica are understood to be willing to negotiate from around €40m (£34.4m).
At the same time, the Portuguese club have offered him a new contract until 2031 on significantly improved terms, though he has yet to respond.
For Chelsea, the latest reports suggest convincing Benfica may not be the hardest part of any future deal.
Matching Schjelderup’s sporting ambitions could prove the bigger challenge, particularly while clubs able to offer Champions League football continue to watch his situation closely.