Tottenham Hotspur are currently leading the chase to sign Norway winger Andreas Schjelderup from Benfica, according to Portuguese newspaper A Bola.
The report, relayed by Sport Witness, claims Spurs are preparing an offer worth around £34 million including bonuses for the 22-year-old attacker.
Benfica, however, are understood to want a significantly higher fee after Schjelderup’s stock rose sharply during the World Cup this summer.
The Norwegian winger had already impressed during a strong domestic campaign, finishing the 2025/26 season with 10 goals and seven assists in 43 appearances across all competitions for the Lisbon club.
His reputation then reached a new level entirely during the World Cup, where he forced his way from squad player into a starting role with a string of eye-catching displays.
He finished the tournament with one goal and three assists, including a superb strike against England in the quarter-finals and two assists for Erling Haaland in a memorable victory over Brazil.
By the time the competition concluded, Schjelderup had established himself as one of the tournament’s genuine breakout stars on the world stage.
A Bola also reports that Schjelderup is seriously considering leaving Lisbon this summer, though Benfica remain hopeful of convincing him to sign a new contract.
Negotiations over a new deal have progressed slowly, and there is a growing belief that a transfer could suit both player and club if the right offer materialises.
Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi is known to favour wide players brave enough to receive the ball in tight areas and creative enough to unlock stubborn defences, qualities that Schjelderup clearly possesses.
The Norwegian is capable of drifting inside onto his stronger right foot but is equally comfortable stretching the pitch and taking full-backs on down the outside.
He has been described as a “joy to watch,” combining close control, creativity and sharp decision-making in the final third rather than relying purely on raw pace.
Schjelderup already looks comfortable in possession, presses with real intensity and has demonstrated an ability to produce goals and assists against high-level opposition consistently.
Any deal is unlikely to be straightforward, as Benfica are negotiating from a position of considerable strength with their player’s value having increased dramatically in recent months.
Schjelderup is contracted at Estadio da Luz until 2028 and carries an £85 million release clause, giving the Portuguese club every reason to push for a fee well above Tottenham’s current offer.
Earlier reports had suggested that £34 million could be enough to secure a deal, but more recent claims indicate Benfica now want closer to £44 million for the winger.
Several other Premier League clubs have also been monitoring Schjelderup’s progress, meaning Spurs face increasingly fierce competition for his signature.
From a Tottenham perspective, elite young wingers with proven end product at club level and growing international pedigree rarely become available for anywhere near £34 million.
If Spurs can convince Benfica to compromise on their asking price, securing Schjelderup could prove one of the most astute pieces of business conducted anywhere in Europe this summer.