Jose Mourinho prevented West Ham signing Erling Haaland’s international teammate in January
West Ham United had a busy January window.
The Hammers brought in five players including striker duo Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe, winger Adama Traoré, and defender Axel Disasi on loan from Chelsea — arguably their standout signing.
But it now emerges that the Hammers could have added another player, had it not been for José Mourinho’s intervention.
Mourinho Prevented Andreas Schjelderup Move
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup was on West Ham’s radar earlier this year.
The 21-year-old, who had seen limited game time in Lisbon, was open to a move in January. However, José Mourinho, assessing both Schjelderup’s potential and Benfica’s squad needs, blocked the transfer before talks could progress.
Schjelderup had attracted interest from several clubs due to his sporadic appearances for Benfica, with West Ham among the teams monitoring the situation. Other clubs reportedly exploring a move included Parma, Roma, Juventus, and Beşiktaş, while Club Brugge came closest to reaching an agreement.
Although Brugge reportedly reached terms with the player, negotiations with Benfica ultimately fell through, preventing the deal.
West Ham Still Eye Emerging European Talent
West Ham have consistently scouted promising young players across Europe, and Schjelderup fits that profile perfectly.
The Norwegian winger joined Benfica from FC Nordsjælland in January 2023 and has quickly earned a reputation for his technical ability, close control, and speed. Comfortable on either flank, he excels in one-on-one situations and can stretch defenses with his attacking runs.
While he remains at Benfica and is expected to fight for more minutes in the first team, his limited playing time has kept him on the radar of clubs like West Ham.
Should his opportunities remain scarce, interest from the Premier League could easily reignite. For now, though, the Hammers’ priority is securing their top-flight survival before returning to the transfer market.
