Tottenham Face Fresh Transfer Blow as Benfica Boss Sends Huge Warning Over £48m Target Andreas Schjelderup
Tottenham Hotspur could be facing a major transfer headache in their pursuit of Andreas Schjelderup after Benfica head coach Marco Silva delivered a firm warning that the highly-rated winger is “fundamental” to his plans.
Spurs have already made major moves this summer as they attempt to completely transform their squad and, crucially, avoid another season anywhere near the Premier League relegation zone. After two consecutive campaigns finishing 17th, Tottenham’s hierarchy know there is enormous pressure on the club to deliver a dramatic turnaround.
The north London club have wasted little time in trying to make that happen.
Tottenham have already confirmed six new arrivals, with Andy Robertson, Martin Dubravka and Marcos Senesi joining on free transfers. The club have also reportedly splashed a staggering £237 million on Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke.
However, Spurs are far from finished.
With their squad now becoming increasingly crowded, Tottenham are expected to focus heavily on player departures while simultaneously searching for two or three more attacking additions capable of giving Roberto De Zerbi greater firepower.
And one of the names to emerge on Tottenham’s radar is Benfica star Schjelderup.
The Norway international has attracted serious attention following an impressive spell of form and a standout World Cup campaign. Tottenham have reportedly tested Benfica’s resolve with a €55m offer, but the Portuguese giants may have little interest in making negotiations straightforward.
That is because Silva appears determined to keep the winger.
The Benfica boss, who arrived from Fulham during the summer, has made it abundantly clear that Schjelderup is a player he sees as central to his plans.
Asked why there has been so much speculation surrounding the youngster, Silva explained that his performances have naturally attracted attention.
“I understand why there is so much talk about Andreas,” Silva said.
The Benfica boss pointed towards Schjelderup’s quality, his excellent performances during the final months of last season and his impressive showing at the World Cup.
And then came the biggest message of all.
Silva effectively made it clear that the Norwegian is fundamental to his plans.
“For the way we want to play, wide players are fundamental,” he explained.
“He has very specific characteristics to face low blocks and is capable of doing something different against teams that defend well.”
That could be particularly significant for Tottenham.
Spurs are desperate to add more creativity and unpredictability to their attack, especially against teams that sit deep and defend in numbers. Schjelderup’s ability to operate in tight spaces and attempt something different could make him an attractive option for De Zerbi.
But if Tottenham genuinely want him, they may now have to dig even deeper into their pockets.
The €55m figure reportedly placed on the table may not be enough to convince Benfica to part ways with a player their new manager considers so important.
Tottenham are already pursuing other major attacking targets, with Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and Manchester City’s Savinho reportedly high on their shortlist.
Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that Spurs have been in direct contact with Gakpo’s camp.
“Tottenham are in direct talks with Cody Gakpo’s camp over possible move this summer,” Romano reported, adding that the deal could ultimately depend on Liverpool’s decision and the financial package involved.
Meanwhile, Tottenham are also pushing hard for Savinho.
TEAMtalk has reported that Spurs have explored Chelsea winger Pedro Neto as a possible contingency option while continuing to prioritise the Manchester City star.
That means Tottenham have several attacking irons in the fire.
Yet Schjelderup could be one of the most intriguing.
Silva has also dismissed any suggestion that the transfer rumours have distracted the winger. According to the Benfica boss, Schjelderup remains fully committed and continues to work hard.
“He has been working very well, he is fully committed and he is a great lad,” Silva said.
“Our objective is to get the best out of him and help him improve every day so he can help the team. I’m certain he will.”
For Tottenham, those words could be interpreted as both praise and a warning.
If Spurs are serious about signing Schjelderup, they may have to convince Benfica not only with their project, but with a financial offer that is simply too good to reject.
And with Silva already declaring the Norwegian winger “fundamental”, Tottenham may soon discover that getting their man will require a much bigger bid and another major transfer gamble.
