Parma Looking to Pip Juventus to Benfica Technician Andreas Schjelderup

Interest coming out of Italy is strong for Benfica talent Andreas Schjelderup, who is likely to leave Benfica in January after falling out of favor.

Andreas Schjelderup has played little under 500 minutes this season in Liga Portugal, and has found himself an unused substitute in six of Benfica’s previous 10.

Having enjoyed a stellar breakthrough season last year, the Norwegian international has long been one of Europe’s emerging talents, even being named a Golden Boy finalist in 2024.

The 21-year-old appeared to be hitting the ground running after scoring the winning goal against Bayern Munich in the summer’s Club World Cup, before starring with a goal and an assist in Champions League qualifying.

Despite racking up considerable minutes near the start of the season, his performances have failed to live up to the expectations carried forward from last year, and has not played 70 minutes in any competition since September.

Manager Jose Mourinho has a clear preference for players who get through more defensive work than Schjelderup.

It is also unclear how much the noise surrounding Schjelderup’s court case has affected his position at Benfica.

He was handed a two-week suspended prison sentence after a Danish court found him guilty of sharing sexual material of minors.

The Benfica winger told the court he received a video on Snapchat and forwarded it to a group chat, before deleting it once he realised its content.

Norway coach Stale Solbakken called Schjelderup “incredibly stupid” for his actions, but went on to challenge Mourinho and questioned why he isn’t being developed into a “90-minute” player.

With the Norwegian prodigy’s development stunted at this moment in time, it is likely Benfica will look to find a resolution, with reports indicating a preference for a loan deal.

Schjelderup with a final goal🔥 What a player pic.twitter.com/3Zp6cfVC26

— NorwayFoot (@NorwayFoot) January 11, 2025

Parma Express Interest in Andreas Schjelderup

Andreas Schjelderup has long been a target for Juventus, who pushed to sign him in January 2023 before Benfica pipped them to his signature.

The Bianconeri may find themselves in a similar position once again. While the Norwegian is still appreciated, new Juventus sporting director Marco Ottolini must find a balance between the club’s precarious financial position, and areas in desperate need of improvement.

Joao Mario’s expected departure could create a scenario where he is used as makeweight in a potential deal for Schjelderup, but fixing a stuttering defense is the top priority if recent reports are any indication.

With Juventus unlikely to move for the 21-year-old, that clears the way for the rest of his potential suitors.

Not least Parma, who have thrown their hat in the ring for a proposed loan deal, with an option to buy being discussed. Manager Carlos Cuesta has identified Schjelderup as an ideal target, with the Spaniard keen to add a sprightly technician who can operate both out wide and down the middle.

Taking Europe’s top five leagues out of equation, and comparing to the world’s other leading 14 competitions, Schjelderup ranks in the 97th percentile or above for assists, shot creating actions, progressive carries and touches in the opposition’s box.

While he will also be forced into defensive duties should make the switch to Parma, he is likely to be given more license to roam in Cuesta’s pragmatic, vertical system.

Schjelderup has been likened to compatriot Martin Odegaard in terms of vision, technicality and dribbling, and a loan move to Parma side with aspirations of a top-half finish may just be the perfect opportunity for his career trajectory.