Tottenham Hotspur Target Andreas Schjelderup in Summer Window

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing SL Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup, according to Football Insider. The 22-year-old has caught the eye with 14 goal contributions this season and is expected to leave the Portuguese club this summer.

Schjelderup's Rise at Benfica

Andreas Schjelderup joined Benfica from FC Nordsjaelland in January 2023 for a fee believed to be around €14 million. The Norwegian international initially struggled for regular game time but has developed into a key attacking option under manager Roger Schmidt. This season, he has registered 8 goals and 6 assists across all competitions, showcasing his versatility on both flanks and as an attacking midfielder.

His dribbling ability and creativity from wide areas have made him a standout performer in the Primeira Liga, where Benfica currently sit second. Schjelderup's underlying numbers are impressive: he averages 2.3 key passes per 90 minutes and completes 1.8 successful dribbles per game, according to league statistics. His expected assists (xA) of 0.4 per 90 rank among the top wingers in the division.

Transfer Market Context and Club Interest

Benfica are known for demanding high fees for their star assets. With three years remaining on his contract, the Portuguese giants are in a strong negotiating position. Tottenham's interest comes as manager Ange Postecoglou looks to add depth to his attacking options. The club have already signed James Maddison and Brennan Johnson in recent windows, but Postecoglou's system requires multiple wide players capable of cutting inside and creating chances.

Comparisons can be drawn with Benfica's sale of Darwin Núñez to Liverpool in 2022 for an initial €75 million, though Schjelderup is not expected to command such a fee. A more realistic valuation would be around €30-40 million, reflecting his age and potential. Tottenham's recruitment under technical director Johan Lange has focused on young, high-potential players, making Schjelderup a natural target.

Impact on Tottenham's Tactical Setup

Postecoglou's 4-3-3 formation relies on inverted wingers who can drift inside and combine with the central midfielders. Schjelderup, predominantly right-footed but comfortable on the left, fits this profile. He would compete with Son Heung-min and Timo Werner for a starting spot on the left flank, while also offering cover for Dejan Kulusevski on the right. His ability to play as a number 10 adds tactical flexibility.

From a Fantasy Premier League perspective, Schjelderup's arrival could provide a budget-friendly attacking option. Currently priced at around £6.0 million in early FPL drafts, his potential for returns depends on minutes and adaptation speed. Tottenham's favourable fixture run after Gameweek 8 makes him a potential differential pick.

  • Schjelderup's 14 goal contributions place him among the top performers in Portugal's Primeira Liga for players under 23.
  • Benfica have a track record of selling young attackers at a profit, as seen with João Félix and Enzo Fernández.
  • Tottenham are yet to submit a formal bid, but negotiations are expected to accelerate in June.

What's Next for Tottenham and Schjelderup

With the summer transfer window approaching, Tottenham's pursuit of Schjelderup is likely to intensify. Benfica's financial model dictates that they will sell if the price is met, and the player's agent has indicated a desire to test himself in a top-five league. Tottenham face competition from several European clubs, but their Premier League status and Postecoglou's attacking philosophy could prove decisive. A move before pre-season would allow Schjelderup time to adapt to English football ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

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