17-year-old Norwegian wonderkid Andreas Schjelderup has opened up about rejecting a move to Liverpool in 2020.
In an interview with Goal, Norwegian teenage sensation Andreas Schjelderup has shed light on turning down a move to English giants Liverpool back in 2020.
Just 17, the youngster is already a regular at Danish side Nordsjaelland. An attacking midfielder, he has made 36 appearances for the club, scoring six goals and assisting four more. He can also play as a left-winger and as a striker, making this versatility a huge weapon in his arsenal.
Schjelderup came through the ranks at Norwegian club Bodo/Glimt, earning interested stares from some of Europe’s top sides. He enjoyed trials at Juventus, Bayern Munich, Ajax Amsterdam and Liverpool before shifting to the Danish top-flight in 2020.
The 17-year-old admits that rejecting a move to Anfield was not easy, given the club’s reputation and what they have to offer. However, he adds that the decision to reject the Reds was well-founded.
“It hurt a little bit for me and my dad in our hearts (not to join Liverpool), but the move here was instead of going to an academy at Under-19 or Under-17 level.”
A move to Anfield would have been an excellent achievement, but it would have done little to fast track the youngster’s development. While Jurgen Klopp has shown the willingness to put his faith in youth, the talent at his disposal makes it difficult for young players to establish themselves as senior squad mainstays.
The switch to Nordsjaelland has borne fruit as Schjelderup is already a first-team regular at 17. This will accelerate his development, helping him raise his game by leaps and bounds. There is every reason to believe that the Norwegian youngster can develop into a world-class player in the years to come.
Schjelderup does not appear to have any regrets, given his decision has worked out. He also refused to rule out a big move in the future. Should he continue to impress, there is little reason to believe that the likes of Liverpool will not return for his signature.
“Of course, maybe I can go to a big team in the future. In the long run, for me, this was the best step. When I am ready, I will take the next step.”
Liverpool’s transfer policy has seen them fix onto their top targets and play the waiting game to secure their services if needed. If Schjelderup falls into that category, there is every reason to believe that Liverpool will come knocking again in the future.
