Is Benfica gem Schjelderup England-bound?

One of the shining stars of the World Cup has entered the transfer lists of the Premier League's giants. According to the report, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham are closely tracking the situation of Benfica's Norwegian winger Andreas Schjelderup. Making six appearances for Norway at the tournament, the 22-year-old is open to a new challenge this summer despite having two years left on his contract; he is said to have dreamed of playing in the Premier League since childhood and to be weighing his future while holding off on the club's new contract offer.

On the fee front, the picture changed with the player's performances at the tournament. While Benfica had been expected to demand at least €40 million, the valuation is reported to have been raised to at least €50 million following his World Cup exploits. The €100 million release clause in his contract also hands the Portuguese giants a strong position at the negotiating table; this will not be a cheap operation for his suitors.

The report card driving the price up is plain to see. Finishing the tournament with 1 goal and 3 assists, Schjelderup provided two assists for Erling Haaland in the Round of 16 win that eliminated Brazil, before scoring his team's goal with a sensational strike in the quarterfinal lost 2-1 to England in extra time. Rising from the bench into the starting XI as the tournament progressed, the Norwegian became one of the most eye-catching names of his surprise-package side.

On Benfica's side, a dilemma is unfolding. Head coach Marco Silva is said to want to keep the player, who produced 10 goals and 7 assists in 43 matches last season, but the club are also considering a major summer sale to finance squad investments. Beyond the English trio, Milan and Como from Italy along with Barcelona had also been reported to be tracking the file; the Norwegian gem's future is turning into one of the busiest storylines of the summer window.

Source: A Bola
Image: BBC Sport