Lazio had a strong interest in signing Benfica's 21-year-old Norwegian winger Andreas Schjelderup, having started to observe the player in November as they searched for a skillful attacker for coach Maurizio Sarri. The Serie A club contacted the player's representatives at the beginning of the week. These contacts intensified between Tuesday and Wednesday, and Lazio received a positive response from Schjelderup's representatives, who were seeking to find a new club for him before the end of the winter window. However, the player's subsequent two-goal performance against Real Madrid made the situation more difficult, not just for Lazio but also for Club Brugge, which had already received a positive response from the player. Although Lazio was reportedly prepared to make an immediate purchase offer, it is now believed in Rome that Schjelderup is effectively unattainable. The winger, who has 8 caps for Norway, has a contract with Benfica until June 2028 and a current Transfermarkt market value of €14.00m. This season in Liga Portugal, he has recorded one goal and two assists in 13 appearances. In January 2026, Benfica's asking price was reportedly €15 million, with offers from Club Brugge said to be between €11 million and €12 million.