Liverpool are in desperate need of attacking reinforcements this summer, leaving Andoni Iraola with a lot of work to do in the transfer market.
Correio da Manha now report that Andreas Schjelderup has emerged as a target for the Reds after his fantastic displays for Norway at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With Hugo Ekitike injured and Mohamed Salah now a free agent after his emotional Anfield departure, Liverpool need a bonafide superstar to add quality to their attacking armoury.
And if reports are to be believed, Benfica will drive a hard bargain to part with Schjelderup, who has a release clause believed to be in the region of £86m.
Liverpool told to cough up the cash for Andreas Schjelderup
Schjelderup started the tournament as a squad option but became a key player for Norway as he scored once and provided three assists over the course of the tournament.
His stunning opening goal broke the deadlock for Norway against England, although Thomas Tuchel’s side came from behind to win the game 2-1 thanks to a brace from Jude Bellingham.
According to the aforementioned report, Schjelderup has a release clause of £86m but Benfica will consider selling for around £43m.
Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have also been mentioned as potential suitors, so the Reds need to move quickly to secure his signature.
Schjelderup likened to Martin Odegaard
Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard were Norway’s biggest attractions at the World Cup.
And while the former banged in the goals for his country, Schjelderup stole most of the limelight otherwise, owing to his fantastic performances on the left flank.
Flemming Pedersen, who was Nordsjaelland’s technical director when they signed the Norwegian, believes the young winger is capable of being as good a player as Odegaard, if not better.
“There are some similarities between Odegaard and Andreas,” said Pedersen via The Athletic.
“He can at the very least reach the same level as Odegaard. He will definitely play for a Champions League team and hopefully also be a part of the team that wins that trophy too.”
Last season, Schjelderup notched up ten goals and seven assists across 43 appearances for Benfica as he quickly became one of their most important players.
He also showed at the World Cup that he is more than capable of producing the goods on the grandest stage, which is something Liverpool will have made note of.
With Benfica willing to sell him for less than his release clause, it remains to be seen if the Reds’ chase for a winger takes them to Portugal, as Schjelderup is clearly a fantastic player on the cusp of a big move.
