Barcelona mesmerized by 20-year-old Benfica sensation with €100 million release clause

Barcelona have taken a keen interest in monitoring Benfica’s young winger Andreas Schjelderup, according to SPORT.

It is said that the 20-year-old Norwegian talent has caught the attention of the Catalan club after his impressive performance in the Champions League.

While he was relatively unknown to Barcelona’s scouting team before, his recent rise in form has made him a name worth tracking.

It must be noted that Barcelona’s sporting management has always maintained a strong connection with Portuguese football.

Deco, a key figure in the club’s sporting operations, frequently travels to Portugal to monitor matches and maintain contacts within the league.

Benfica, in particular, have remained a focal point of Deco’s observations and this time, it is Schjelderup’s standout display that surprised Barcelona’s delegation.

Who is Andreas Schjelderup?

Schjelderup, who plays as a left winger, is known for his blistering speed, sharp individual skills, and ability to take on defenders in one-on-one situations.

He also demonstrates a strong defensive work ethic, making him a well-rounded player. His performances in the past month and a half have elevated his status, earning him praise and attention beyond the Portuguese league.

Benfica secured the winger from Danish football for a fee of €9 million, which now looks like a smart investment. His contract includes a hefty release clause of €100 million, a testament to the club’s confidence in his potential.

Schjelderup is managed by Rafaela Pimienta, an agent with close ties to Barcelona president Joan Laporta, as she was once closely associated with the late Mino Raiola.

Although there are no formal negotiations at this stage, Barcelona have added Schjelderup’s name to their watchlist the same way they are tracking Marcus Rashford.

If he continues to develop at this pace, it is likely he will be a topic of discussion in future transfer windows. For now, the club will keep a close eye on his progress.