Andreas Schjelderup, a young winger for Benfica who has been making waves in the Portuguese division, is the target of Barcelona. The Catalan club may face difficulties because of the 20-year-old Norwegian talent’s large €100 million release clause.
According to recent sources, Schjelderup’s outstanding performance in the January 21 group stage match against the Catalan giants in Lisbon heightened Barcelona’s interest in him. Although Schjelderup is best regarded as a winger, he demonstrated his excellent defensive skills throughout the game. He was fouled three times because he was a continual annoyance for Barca’s defense, recording two blocks, making two tackles, and winning five of nine duels. He generated a great attacking opportunity, but it ended without a goal.
Barcelona’s scouting staff is now very interested in Schjelderup after his impressive performance solidified his place on the team’s radar. The fact that Schjelderup had not been scouted before surprised Deco, the club’s director of football, who regularly monitors players in Portugal.
However, given Barcelona’s financial circumstances, it is challenging to approve a €100 million move, raising questions about the astonishing release clause. Positively, Schjelderup’s agent Rafaela Pimienta has a strong rapport with club president Joan Laporta, which may help with future negotiations.
Barcelona is definitely on their list of players to watch, even though they haven’t made any official moves for the Norwegian star as of yet.
Schjelderup has made nine league appearances this season, tallying one goal and two assists.
Hansi Flick, the coach of Barcelona, was pleased with his team’s exciting 5-4 UEFA Champions League victory over Benfica, which guaranteed them a spot in the knockout stages. Although Schjelderup is still in the spotlight, Barcelona’s incredible comeback in Lisbon was the main topic of conversation after the game.
Goalie Wojciech Szczesny made two crucial mistakes that put Barcelona behind 1-3 and then 2-4. However, three goals in the closing minutes reduced the gap and guaranteed all three points.
Thinking back on the match, Flick said, “I don’t think so, I’ve never had a comeback like this… The reason we adore football is because of this. In addition, he declined to blame Szczesny, highlighting the team’s shared accountability: “It’s normal; what player doesn’t make mistakes? The team as a whole is at stake, not just one person. Together, we triumph and we fail.
Szczesny’s attempts to stop the game backfired as he rushed out of his area and accidentally tackled a teammate, allowing Benfica to score into an empty net. He was also unable to save a penalty that was awarded for a late foul in the box.