Tottenham Hotspur Eye Summer Move for Benfica Winger Andreas Schjelderup
The 22-year-old Norwegian international has emerged as a prime target for Spurs as they seek to bolster their attacking options.
Tottenham Hotspur are exploring a summer move for SL Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup as they look to reshape their attacking options ahead of the new campaign. According to a report from Football Insider, the North London club has turned its attention to the highly-rated 22-year-old Norwegian international following a summer transfer window that has already seen significant investment in their defensive and midfield units.
The Lilywhites’ pursuit of frontline reinforcements has been accelerated by personnel challenges on the left flank. While Spurs currently count French youth international Wilson Odobert and German forward Mathys Tel among their primary options for the left-wing position, their depth has been severely compromised. Odobert is set to remain sidelined for an extended period after suffering a serious knee issue, leaving a notable void in the squad. Meanwhile, the highly promising Tel is still very young and is not yet deemed ready to play consistently at the highest level of European football. This has prompted Tottenham’s recruitment team to actively scour the market for an immediate upgrade.
Schjelderup, who prefers to be deployed on the left flank, fits the profile of a modern, dynamic winger. Known for his explosive pace and technical refinement, the Norwegian excels at navigating tight spaces, using his close control and dribbling ability to bypass opposition defenders. Crucially for a high-pressing system, he also possesses an impressive defensive work ethic, working tirelessly without possession to win the ball back high up the pitch.
The winger’s stock has risen dramatically following an outstanding showing on the international stage. Schjelderup secured his place in Norway’s World Cup squad and played a pivotal role in guiding his country to an impressive quarter-final finish. Despite making only two starts during the tournament, he made a massive impact by registering four goal contributions. This international breakthrough followed a highly productive domestic campaign in Portugal. Across 40 appearances in all competitions, the youngster registered 14 goal contributions, helping Benfica navigate their domestic campaign to finish the Primeira Liga season unbeaten.
Schjelderup’s path to prominence has required patience. Benfica originally secured his services in January 2023, signing him from Danish Superliga outfit FC Nordsjaelland. However, adapting to the tactical demands of Portuguese football proved challenging, and he initially struggled to find his feet in Lisbon. To facilitate his development and ensure regular playing time, he returned to the Danish side on loan the following summer. The move proved highly beneficial; upon his return to the Estádio da Luz in 2024, he initially served as a rotational option before gradually asserting himself and showing glimpses of his immense quality.
Now, a departure from Portugal appears increasingly likely. Schjelderup has entered the final two years of his current contract and has reportedly indicated that he does not want to sign an extension with the Portuguese giants. This contract standoff places Benfica in a delicate position, as clubs typically prefer to sell players rather than risk losing them for a depreciated fee as they approach free agency. Valued at approximately £25 million by industry specialists Transfermarkt, the winger is expected to be on the move during this transfer window. Whether Tottenham will formalize their interest with a concrete approach remains to be seen, but Schjelderup represents a highly talented option with the potential to thrive in the Premier League.
