Andreas Schjelderup
Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Andreas Schjelderup takes to the pitch for Benfica
Tottenham are chasing Andreas Schjelderup. That story has reached the point where Benfica are already considering how they would replace the winger if he leaves this summer.
Portuguese newspaperCorreio da Manhã reports Marco Silva has informed Benfica’s hierarchy. He says that signing another left winger will become a priority should Schjelderup complete an expected move away from Lisbon.
According to the report, Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson has emerged as one of the leading candidates after previously working under Silva during his loan spell at Fulham.
Tottenham interest forces planning
Tottenham have been repeatedly linked with Schjelderup throughout the summer. Recently, they made contact with Benfica to explore the conditions of a deal.
Correio da Manhã says the Norwegian still wants to leave after enhancing his reputation at the World Cup, where he scored once and registered three assists for Norway.
The newspaper maintains Benfica are looking for around €50m (£43m) before allowing the 22-year-old to depart.
Marco Silva would rather keep Schjelderup and has already spoken personally with the winger. He is trying to convince him to remain at Benfica.
Even so, the coach is also planning for the possibility that Tottenham or another club eventually meet the Portuguese side’s valuation.
Arsenal player identified
Marco Silva wants a replacement should Andreas Schjelderup join Tottenham and that's seen Arsenal's Reiss Nelson targeted
Marco Silva wants a replacement should Andreas Schjelderup join Tottenham and that’s seen Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson targeted
Should Schjelderup leave, Silva wants another specialist on the left wing despite Benfica already signing Jakub Kaminski this summer.
In addition, Correio da Manhã say Reiss Nelson is among the names being considered.
The Arsenal winger spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Fulham under Silva and is entering the final year of his contract at the Emirates
Those are circumstances that could make a transfer easier.
His familiarity with Silva’s methods is viewed as another advantage.
Benfica president offers different picture
Benfica president Rui Costa doesn't sound happy about Tottenham claims
Benfica president Rui Costa doesn’t sound happy about Tottenham claims
There is, however, a notable difference between Benfica’s public stance and the reports surrounding Schjelderup’s future.
Speaking this week, Benfica president Rui Costa insisted the club have not received any offers for the winger.
“The player has a renewal proposal. I have read and heard that he doesn’t want to stay at Benfica. That has not been communicated to us. He is on holiday and will soon return to Benfica. As of today, Benfica have not received any proposal for Schjelderup,” he said, according to O Jogo.
Rui Costa says Andreas Schjelderup hasn't asked to leave following Tottenham interest
Rui Costa says Andreas Schjelderup hasn’t asked to leave following Tottenham interest
Rui Costa’s comments also push back against reports suggesting Schjelderup has already rejected Benfica’s contract offer. That means Tottenham’s interest remains exactly that for now – interest.
But the fact Marco Silva is already identifying potential replacements suggests Benfica are preparing for the possibility that interest eventually turns into a formal offer.
Transfer overview for Tottenham
Andreas Schjelderup caught attention at the World Cup
Spurs are the club most strongly linked right now
Benfica touchy about claims player wants to leave
Transfer could be done at €50m this summer
Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson targeted as replacement