Benfica’s interest in Ipswich Town winger Jaden Philogene is dependent on one piece of transfer business falling into place first, according to Friday’s reports from Portugal.
The Eagles are looking to strengthen Marco Silva’s attacking options this summer and have been linked with several players in recent weeks.
While much of Friday’s attention in the Portuguese media focused on Benfica’s efforts to sign Jhon Durán on loan from Al Nassr, O Jogo also provided an update on their interest in Philogene.
The newspaper explains Benfica have added the Ipswich player to their shortlist, but any attempt to sign him will only come after an attacking departure from the Estádio da Luz.
Schjelderup exit would open the door
According to O Jogo, Benfica will only move for Jaden Philogene if one of their current wide forwards leaves before the transfer window closes. The report identifies Andreas Schjelderup as the most likely candidate to make way. He is an active Chelsea target as far as we have covered.
That condition means Benfica’s pursuit remains at an early stage, with outgoing business expected to dictate whether the Portuguese club can progress their interest.
The update follows reports from the English press that Philogene has attracted attention from elsewhere, with clubs in England, alongside Serie A pair Bologna and Roma, also credited with interest in the 24-year-old.
Ipswich Town may have decision to make
Jaden Philogene played an important role in Ipswich Town’s promotion to the Premier League and is now preparing for the club’s return to the top flight.
That naturally strengthens Ipswich’s position. Unless the club receive an offer they consider difficult to refuse, there is little immediate incentive to part with one of the players who helped secure promotion.
For Benfica, the situation is therefore one to monitor rather than one nearing a breakthrough. O Jogo’s report makes it clear that any move depends first on creating room in Marco Silva’s squad, with Schjelderup’s future likely to determine whether the Portuguese side formally enter the race for the Ipswich winger.
Key transfer points
- Andreas Schjelderup attracted attention at World Cup
- Multiple Premier League clubs have been linked this summer
- Benfica haven’t put him on market and would want a big fee
- There’ll be no move for Ipswich Town’s Jaden Philogene without that exit
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