Sport Nation 2Celtic Football Club has experienced remarkable success in recent years with signings from SL Benfica. The most notable example is Jota, who joined Celtic on loan from Benfica in the summer of 2021 and quickly made his mark as one of the top players in Scottish football. His performances earned him a permanent deal the following year, and he was later sold to Saudi club Al-Ittihad for a record-breaking £25 million transfer fee in 2023, the highest in Scottish football history at the time.
Another example of a Benfica signing is Paulo Bernardo, who was brought in on a season-long loan in 2023. While his stint wasn’t as spectacular as Jota’s, he showed solid form and enough potential for Celtic to sign him permanently in the summer of 2024. Bernardo continues to improve and could soon become a key figure for the team. These successful acquisitions from Benfica have raised the question of whether Celtic should look toward the Portuguese club again, this time to sign one of their young wingers, Andreas Schjelderup.
The Case for Andreas Schjelderup
Andreas Schjelderup, a Norwegian international, was signed by Benfica for over €10 million in early 2023. The 20-year-old arrived with high expectations but has struggled to make an impact at the club. After a slow start and limited playing time, he was loaned back to his former club, Nordsjaelland, where he regained form and showed glimpses of his potential.
Despite his resurgence in Denmark, Schjelderup has found himself back at Benfica with limited opportunities, managing just one substitute appearance this season. His lack of playing time raises the possibility that the young winger might seek a move elsewhere to reignite his career. This presents an opportunity for Celtic to step in, especially if Luis Palma, their current winger, decides to leave the club, a move that has been widely speculated in recent weeks.
Why Celtic Should Target Schjelderup
Schjelderup fits the profile of the type of player Celtic have targeted in recent years – young, talented, and looking to establish themselves after a tough spell at a larger club. Jota’s rise at Celtic proved that with the right environment, a player can thrive even after struggling at a previous club. The Norwegian international has demonstrated his ability to perform well in the Danish league, and a move to Celtic could give him the platform to replicate that success in Scotland.
One of the key reasons Celtic might consider Schjelderup is the uncertainty surrounding Luis Palma’s future. Palma, who operates primarily on the left flank, has been linked with moves away from Celtic Park. If Palma were to leave, the club would be left short of options on the left wing, and Schjelderup could fill that void. His versatility as a winger, combined with his potential for growth, makes him an attractive option for Celtic’s recruitment team.
Additionally, Schjelderup’s technical ability and pace make him a suitable fit for Brendan Rodgers’ style of play. Rodgers, who returned to manage Celtic in 2023, has emphasized attacking football with dynamic, wide players. Schjelderup’s ability to take on defenders and create chances would add an extra dimension to Celtic’s attack, giving them more options going forward.
Building on Past Successes
Celtic’s success with Jota and Bernardo from Benfica shows that the club has the ability to develop players who may not have been fully appreciated at their previous clubs. Jota arrived as a relatively unknown player but left as one of the most valuable in Celtic’s history. Similarly, Bernardo, while not yet at Jota’s level, has shown steady improvement and could become a key player in the future.
Schjelderup, at just 20 years old, has the potential to follow in their footsteps. His struggles at Benfica could be due to the intense competition for places at the club, but a move to Celtic could offer him regular playing time and the chance to develop in a supportive environment. As seen with Jota, Celtic can provide the perfect platform for players to rebuild their confidence and showcase their abilities.
Celtic’s recruitment strategy under Rodgers has been to find players with untapped potential who can thrive in the Scottish Premiership and in European competitions. Schjelderup fits this mold, and given his age and experience at both Benfica and Nordsjaelland, he could prove to be a valuable addition to the squad.
Potential Challenges
While the prospect of signing Schjelderup is appealing, there are some challenges that Celtic might face. The first is competition from other clubs. Schjelderup’s potential is no secret, and if he becomes available, other teams, particularly in Europe, may also be interested in signing him. Celtic would need to act quickly and decisively to secure his services.
Another potential issue is the transfer fee. Benfica spent over €10 million to sign Schjelderup, and while his lack of playing time may reduce his market value, the Portuguese club would still likely demand a significant fee for the Norwegian winger. Celtic, known for their prudent transfer dealings, would need to negotiate carefully to avoid overpaying.
Finally, there is always the risk that Schjelderup’s struggles at Benfica could continue at Celtic. While the Scottish Premiership may be less competitive than Portugal’s Primeira Liga, there is no guarantee that Schjelderup will adapt to the physical nature of Scottish football or the high expectations at Celtic. However, with the right guidance from Rodgers and his coaching staff, these concerns could be mitigated.
Conclusion
Celtic’s recent track record with signings from Benfica has been largely positive, and Andreas Schjelderup could be the next success story. With Luis Palma’s future uncertain, the Norwegian winger could provide a valuable option on the left flank and offer Brendan Rodgers more flexibility in attack. Schjelderup’s technical skills and pace would complement Celtic’s attacking style, and at just 20 years old, he has plenty of room for development.
While there are potential challenges in securing his signature, Celtic’s proven ability to nurture talent and provide a platform for young players makes this a move worth considering. If Celtic can replicate the success they found with Jota and Bernardo, Schjelderup could be the next breakout star at Parkhead.
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