Tottenham Hotspur have taken the first concrete step in their pursuit of a Benfica attacker who has been on Liverpool’s radar this summer, opening discussions with the Portuguese club to establish the conditions of a potential deal.
According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Spurs have already made contact with Benfica regarding Andreas Schjelderup, the Norwegian winger who has emerged as one of Roberto De Zerbi’s priority attacking targets ahead of the new campaign.
UK ONLY
“Tottenham are looking to strengthen their attack and have already contacted Benfica about Norwegian international Schjelderup.”
“The London club, which is heavily investing in renewing its squad, knows, however, that it will have to dig deep into its pockets to secure the number 21 from Benfica, who has a contract renewal offer on the table.”
The approach follows reports in England earlier in the week suggesting Tottenham were preparing to accelerate their interest following the 22 year old’s outstanding finish to last season and impressive World Cup with Norway.
Schjelderup’s form has made him one of the most talked about wide players on the continent.
He finished the 2025/26 season with 10 goals and 7 assists under Jose Mourinho at Benfica, then carried that momentum into the World Cup, registering one goal and three assists for Norway in a tournament that significantly raised his profile.
Liverpool have been monitoring the situation throughout.
O Jogo reports that both Liverpool and Chelsea continue to keep tabs on the Benfica attacker despite Tottenham appearing to be the most advanced of the Premier League clubs involved.
Liverpool’s interest fits the wider context of their summer, with Andoni Iraola under pressure to replace Mohamed Salah’s output in wide areas and their pursuit of Yan Diomande having collapsed after the RB Leipzig winger signalled his preference for Paris Saint-Germain.
Barcelona have also previously been linked with Schjelderup, underlining the level of admiration he commands.
The main obstacle facing all interested parties is price, and it appears to be moving in only one direction.
Benfica had initially been prepared to discuss offers around €40 million, before that valuation rose to roughly €50 million on the back of his World Cup displays.
O Jogo now goes further, claiming information emerging from England suggests Benfica’s demands could climb towards €80 million, with the fee Barcelona paid Newcastle United for Anthony Gordon this summer serving as a market reference point.
Benfica’s negotiating position is strengthened by Schjelderup’s contract situation.
The Norwegian has two years remaining on his current deal, protected by a €100 million release clause, and the club are actively trying to persuade him to sign an extension until 2031, having left a renewal proposal worth around €18 million on the table.
Previous reports in Portugal, however, have indicated the winger is seriously weighing up a move away from Lisbon this summer, which is precisely why Tottenham have moved early.
Whether moving first proves decisive remains to be seen.
With Liverpool and Chelsea still hovering, Benfica’s valuation continuing to climb, and Rui Costa’s board in no rush to sell cheaply, Spurs may find that opening negotiations is the easy part.
Andreas Schjelderup
Benfica
Tottenham Hotspur