A €60m Benfica forward has caught Barcelona’s attention, with scouts keeping a close watch on his performances.
The Catalan club, under sporting director Deco, has been captivated by the player’s flair and potential since his breakout displays in European competitions.
Reports from Portuguese outlet O Jogo indicate Barcelona is prepared to table a formal proposal at the end of the current season, signaling a strategic summer move.
That attacker is Andreas Schjelderup, the 21-year-old Norwegian sensation who joined Benfica from Nordsjælland for €9 million in 2023.
Now valued far higher with a staggering €100 million release clause and contract until 2028, Schjelderup has dazzled with his speed, dribbling, and ambidexterity on the left wing.
His standout moment came in the UEFA Champions League, where he impressed Barcelona directly—scoring twice in Benfica’s shock 4-2 win over Real Madrid and featuring against the Blaugrana themselves.
This season, he boasts 5 goals and 3 assists in 32 appearances, drawing eyes from Europe’s elite.
Schjelderup’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, adds intrigue; her ties to Barcelona president Joan Laporta stem from past work with Mino Raiola.
While no deal is imminent—Benfica rejected prior bids from clubs like Besiktas and Club Brugge—Barcelona views him as a cost-effective gem fitting their youth-focused rebuild.
Deco prioritizes high-upside talents over big-name spends, and Schjelderup’s profile aligns perfectly: proactive in 1v1s, creative in tight spaces, and resale potential intact.
Benfica, protective of their “jewel,” demands top dollar, but Barcelona’s persistence suggests negotiations could heat up post-season.
For Schjelderup, a Camp Nou switch offers Champions League prominence and La Liga exposure, accelerating his rise.
Benfica’s firm stance on his €100m release clause may test Barcelona’s resolve this summer.
As March 2026 unfolds, this saga embodies Barcelona’s savvy scouting amid economic recovery.
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