By OkayGoal 
Manchester United are reportedly positioning themselves as frontrunners in the race to sign Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup, with a €60 million offer being prepared ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to Fichajes, Carrick & Co. are better placed than Barcelona in the pursuit of the young Norwegian, whose performances in the second half of this season have accelerated interest from clubs across Europe significantly. What started as West Ham-level interest in January has quickly escalated into a battle between two of the continent’s biggest clubs.
Schjelderup has contributed 11 goals for Benfica this term, and his output has been particularly strong in recent months. That improvement in form is precisely why Benfica are expected to command a significant fee, and the €60 million figure being discussed reflects both his current form and his long-term potential as a wide attacker still in the early stages of his career.
Why Manchester United are targeting Andreas Schjelderup as a left wing priority?
United’s interest in Schjelderup fits a clear pattern of need.
Michael Carrick’s side are planning to add a new left winger and a new left-back in the upcoming window, with that side of the pitch identified as an area requiring investment. Schjelderup operates predominantly on the left and brings the kind of directness and goal threat that could give United’s attack a different dimension alongside Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
The Norwegian’s age and profile also align with the kind of signings United have been making under the current ownership: young, technically gifted, with room to grow but already contributing meaningful numbers at a high level.
A €60 million investment in a player of his trajectory could prove to be smart business if he continues on his current upward curve.
Barcelona financial constraints give Manchester United the edge for Andreas Schjelderup
Barcelona’s involvement adds credibility to the level of interest surrounding Schjelderup, but their ability to follow through is complicated by familiar financial pressures.
The Catalan club are prioritising a deal for Marcus Rashford in the summer window, which would significantly reduce their capacity to make an additional investment in a wide attacker of Schjelderup’s asking price. Pursuing both players simultaneously looks unlikely given the scrutiny on Barcelona’s finances.
That is precisely where United’s advantage lies. With Barcelona potentially forced to choose between targets, Schjelderup could find himself without his most glamorous suitor in the race. If United move decisively and table their offer early, they have a realistic chance of getting the deal done before the summer window reaches peak competition.
Is €60 million the right price for Andreas Schjelderup this summer
Schjelderup’s 11 goal contributions this season represent a solid return for a young winger still establishing himself at this level, and if those numbers keep growing between now and May, Benfica will have every reason to hold firm on a significant valuation.
The jump from West Ham interest in January to Barcelona and Manchester United interest in March tells its own story about how quickly his stock has risen.
Whether €60 million represents fair value depends largely on how you project his development over the next three to four years.
As a finished product right now, it is a premium price. As an investment in a player who could develop into one of Europe’s best wide attackers, it starts to look more reasonable. United will be running those calculations carefully before committing, but the direction of travel is clear. Schjelderup is firmly on their radar, and they believe they are in the strongest position to land him.
