Benfica have increased their valuation for Chelsea transfer target Andreas Schjelderup, according to reports in the Portuguese media.
The Correio da Manha claim that the Norwegian international’s performances at the World Cup have led to the decision to up his asking price from €40m (£34m) to €50m (£43m).
It is believed that Xabi Alonso’s side are among the suitors lining up approaches for Schjelderup, who has stalled on signing a new contract.
The winger‘s current deal expires in just under two years’ time, and Benfica had reportedly proposed a three-year extension. A sale is, therefore, on the cards.
Mourinho is a big fan of Schjelderup
The 22-year-old was managed by Chelsea legend Jose Mourinho last season, but had to work hard to win over the notoriously difficult-to-please Portuguese coach.
Most Read on Chelsea News
Mourinho criticised Schjelderup’s poor fitness levels, and he then dropped him from the starting eleven for a couple of months at the end of 2025.
However, the forward managed to win over his manager with some excellent displays in the second half of the campaign. He scored 6 goals and contributed 4 assists in his final 14 league games, as well as bagging a crucial brace against Real Madrid which sealed his team’s place in the knockout rounds of the Champions League. Speaking about the player back in May, Mourinho said:
“Comparing the Schjelderup of months ago with the Schjelderup of today is impossible. There’s no point of comparison; the only thing that’s the same is that boyish face… He’s still unshaven, his face is the same, that baby face is the same.”
“Neither from a physical point of view, nor from a tactical point of view, nor from a mental point of view, there’s nothing comparable. I’d say that this kid, if he continues to develop in this way, will surely be a real talent and I’d say a great, great, great talent.”
Why are Chelsea interested in the player?
The Athletic have confirmed that the Blues are scouring the market for a “ready-made, versatile forward,” with it looking increasingly unlikely that the Blues will win the race for Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers.
Schjelderup is an inverted left winger, so he would have no issue playing in more central positions if manager Xabi Alonso wants him to. It’s up for debate, though, whether he is worth €50m (£43m).