Martin Odegaard enjoyed a successful loan spell at Real Sociedad (Getty Images)
According to Marca (h/t The Sun), Manchester United made several bids for Real Madrid starlet, Martin Odegaard. Madrid kept their stance and refused any sale. The Norwegian was hot property after his loan stint at Real Sociedad last season.
The 21-year-old Norwegian started out his youth career at Drammen Strong in 2005 and moved to Stromsgodset IF after 4 years. He progressed well through the youth teams and was thrust into the first-team at just 15 years of age.
Real Madrid came calling in 2015 and the youngster did not hesitate. While he was straightaway sent to the Castilla side, he did make the occasional appearance for the senior team. He became the youngest player to play for the club when he came on for Cristiano Ronaldo in the last game of 2015.
Odegaard was struggling with the Castilla side and the club felt that some time away from the Blancos would do him some good. He seemed to regain his form in the loan spells at Heerenveen and Vitesse.
However, it was only last season that the youngster truly made his mark, on loan at Sociedad. In 36 games for them, he scored 7 goals and assisted 9 (source – Transfermarkt). Finally, he was recalled to Madrid as he has already played in three games so far.
Despite the tender age, Odegaard has been a senior player for the national team since 2014. So far he has racked up 25 appearances for them and has scored once.
When the transfer window closed, it was clear that Manchester United had a below-average summer. A couple of deadline day deals cannot mask the fact that the club failed to address key issues in the squad.
Amidst all that, their most expensive signing, Paul Pogba, dropped the bombshell that he dreams of playing for Real Madrid one day (source – The Guardian). Not only does this put the club in a spot but also shows that the World Cup winner may just make the move to the Spanish capital one day.
Despite his hot and cold form, he remains one of the few creative players for Solskjaer. His departure would surely hit the club badly and the club need to sign an equally capable player to take his place in the event that he leaves.
Martin Odegaard could just be the man. It’s often hard to forget that he is just 21, given how long he has been around. A creative playmaker, Odegaard would be the perfect player for United alongside the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Donny Van De Beek.
Manchester United should not be rocked back by Real Madrid’s stance to not sell. The club should throw big money and keep testing their resolve. Surely there’s an amount that can persuade Florentino Perez to let go of the starlet?
