Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Andreas Schjelderup has reportedly prompted Benfica to take swift action, with the Portuguese champions eager to secure the winger’s long-term future rather than risk losing him to the Premier League.
Spurs have already opened discussions over a possible move, identifying the Norwegian as one of several attacking options Roberto De Zerbi is considering as he continues reshaping his squad.
Having focused much of their summer on rebuilding the heart of the team, particularly in defence amid expectations of Cristian Romero’s departure, Tottenham are now turning their attention to strengthening their attack.
Although James Maddison has recovered from the ACL injury he suffered last August, Dejan Kulusevski remains sidelined with no definite return date beyond hopes of featuring during the first half of the campaign. Xavi Simons is also recovering from an ACL injury sustained while at Wolves in April, an issue that ruled him out for the remainder of last season and the 2026 World Cup with the Netherlands.
With several of their key creative players having endured lengthy injury absences, De Zerbi is eager to add more attacking quality before the transfer window closes.
According to FootballFanCast, Benfica have gone far beyond a routine contract renewal in their efforts to keep Schjelderup. Despite being one of the club’s standout performers, the 22-year-old is currently among Benfica’s lowest-paid players under a deal that expires in 2028.
The Portuguese side have now proposed an extension until 2031, along with a substantial salary increase that would place him among the club’s highest earners.
Schjelderup’s existing contract contains a €100 million (£85 million) release clause, although there is believed to be an understanding that Benfica would consider offers closer to €80 million (£68 million).
The Norwegian enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 season, scoring 10 goals and contributing seven assists in 43 appearances across all competitions. He also enhanced his growing reputation at the 2026 World Cup, finding the net against England in the quarter-finals.
His international teammate Alexander Sørloth praised his performances, describing Schjelderup as “extremely strong and a fantastic player” after an eye-catching display against the Netherlands, where he fearlessly took on Denzel Dumfries.
Capable of playing across the frontline and on either wing, Schjelderup fits De Zerbi’s preference for technically gifted, versatile attackers. The Benfica star has also attracted previous interest from Chelsea, Liverpool and Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Manchester City winger Savinho remains Tottenham’s primary target out wide. Spurs came close to signing the Brazilian last summer before City halted the deal after failing to find a replacement, opting instead to hand him a new contract.
A similar scenario appears to be unfolding this year. Reports suggest Savinho is interested in joining Tottenham, but City are reluctant to approve his departure until they secure another winger.
After a disappointing campaign that yielded just four goals and three assists in 36 appearances, Savinho appears unlikely to become a regular starter again, even following the arrival of new City manager Enzo Maresca.
Should negotiations for Savinho fail to progress, Schjelderup is viewed as a strong alternative. Whether Spurs pursue both players or eventually shift their full focus to the Benfica winger could become one of the key storylines of the remainder of Tottenham’s summer transfer window.
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