Marco Silva set for Benfica, to link up with long-admired Andreas Schjelderup | OneFootball

Marco Silva is close to becoming Benfica’s new head coach and is poised to link up with Andreas Schjelderup, a player he has long admired, according to Glorioso 1904.

The prospective coach knows the qualities of the 22-year-old winger well. Before the player’s late-season resurgence, Silva sought information on a possible deal, at a time when Schjelderup was on the departures list and even close to joining Club Brugge.

That picture changed after a run of standout displays. The Norwegian delivered eight goals and four assists in the season’s run-in, form that also earned him a call-up to Norway’s World Cup squad.

“Mourinho made me a stronger and more mature player. He helped me take a big step forward, both offensively and defensively, and to gain more power so I can last 90 minutes,” said Benfica’s number 21 in a recent interview with VG.

Benfica now point to a minimum €40 million fee in any transfer, well above the €25 million they were willing to accept in January. Silva should therefore find a more complete, established player ready to take on greater responsibility.

Source: Glorioso 1904