Who is Andreas Schjelderup? The 'next Odegaard' who turned down Liverpool

Stuart Telford

• 12 Jan 2023 08:51 CST
• 3 min read

Andreas Schjelderup is set to join Benfica from FC Nordsjaelland, spurning the advances of Liverpool. What else is there to know about the player dubbed the 'next Martin Odegaard'?

Schjelderup, a Norway under-21 international, has 10 goals and an assist from just 17 games in Denmark's Superliga this season, and is reportedly the subject of a €14 million bid from Benfica.

Should he complete the move to Portugal, he would become the second most expensive Norwegian teenager of all time after a certain Erling Haaland, who cost €20m when he swapped Red Bull Salzburg for Borussia Dortmund in January 2020.

READ: How Haaland reacted when Odegaard suggested Arsenal move

Schjelderup has more than a little in common with both Haaland and Odegaard. Football Transfers takes a closer look…

What position does Schjelderup play in?

Schjelderup broke into Nordsjaelland's first team last season as a midfielder, but has increasingly been used up front this this season, lining up on the left of Johannes Hoff Thorup's preferred three-man attack.

How good is Schjelderup?

Playing in a more advanced role, the results have been impressive. Schjelderup's 18 goal-involvements this season have come in at a rate of one every 114 minutes of football - an impressive return for an 18-year-old.

A right-footed left winger with quick control and a sharp turn of pace, Schjelderup is a nightmare for opposition defenders and full international recognition is surely only a matter of time after racking up 16 caps at youth level.

READ: Liverpool playing long game with 'next Erling Haaland'

Which clubs are interested in Schjelderup?

While Benfica appear to have won the race for Schjelderup's signature for now, Liverpool are understood to be taking a long view with the youngster, with the Portuguese top-flight a more trustworthy proving ground than the Danish. Brentford also reportedly bid on him.

When does Schjelderup's contract expire?

Schjelderup's current contract with Nordsjaelland runs until 30 June 2024. He has been offered a five-and-a-half year contract at the Estadio da Luz according to Norwegian network TV 2.

How old is Schjelderup?

Born on 1 June 2004, Schjelderup is 18 at the time of writing.

What is Schjelderup's Instagram?

Schjelderup's Instagram can be found under the handle andreasschjelderup and had 40K followers as of January 2023.