West Ham United Target Mystery 21-Year-Old Star: Will He Fit Nuno’s System? | OneFootball

West Ham United have ramped up their winter transfer business in a big way. They have already signed Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe. Now, journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reports that the Hammers are looking at Benfica’s Andreas Schjelderup.

West Ham United Eye Benfica Winger Andreas Schjelderup Following Double Swoop

West Ham allegedly opened talks for the 21-year-old Norwegian winger recently. This move comes after a hectic stretch for Nuno Espírito Santo’s team. It looks like they still want to add more firepower to their attack this January.

The East London club clearly plan to keep pushing with their signings. Di Marzio claims that West Ham are now right in the thick of the race for Schjelderup. This comes despite strong interest from Italian sides Parma and AS Roma.

The winger has played 967 minutes across 21 matches this season. The Norwegian international has put up two goals and three assists. However, word is he wants a transfer to get more regular time on the pitch.

Parma have been chasing a deal for the Norway international. However, they must now go up against West Ham’s deeper pockets. Roma see him mostly as a backup plan. They may turn to him if they miss out on their main targets. Benfica will likely decide what happens to the player. The Portuguese giants hold the final say on any potential exit.

Analysis: Does Schjelderup Fit Nuno Espírito Santo’s Plans?

LISBON, PORTUGAL – NOVEMBER 5: Andreas Schjelderup of SL Benfica controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between SL Benfica and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Estadio da Luz on November 5, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

Signing Andreas Schjelderup would be an interesting roll of the dice for West Ham United. The club are clearly focusing on young talent with massive potential. You can see this strategy in the move for Pablo Felipe.

Schjelderup usually plays on the left wing. The Hammers need more energy and spark in that spot. His skill on the ball and tight control let him cut inside easily. This movement creates space for overlapping full-backs.

Nuno Espírito Santo usually expects his wingers to work hard defensively. So, the Norwegian has to show he is tough enough for the Premier League. On top of that, the fight for spots in West Ham’s attack is tough. Jarrod Bowen plays most of the minutes.

Any new signing has to make a difference right away, or they might have to get used to the bench at first. Schjelderup’s wish for guaranteed starts might not match up with this reality, unless Nuno plans to totally change his front three. Still, his numbers at Benfica suggest he could break down teams that sit deep. This has been a constant problem for the Hammers lately.

The money side of the deal looks doable if the club sell some squad players to even things out. Moving from Portuguese football to the English top flight is usually a big jump.

Still, Schjelderup’s style of play works well alongside a physical striker like Taty Castellanos. If Benfica give the green light, West Ham could secure a versatile attacker. This would give them plenty of new ways to hurt teams in the final third.