Martin Odegaard in action for Real Madrid. (Getty Images)
According to Spanish outlet AS (h/t Daily Mail), Real Madrid are set to recall Martin Odegaard from his two-year loan spell at Real Sociedad.
The 21-year-old attacking midfielder had an impressive season with on-loan side Sociedad, scoring seven goals and assisting nine times from 36 appearances across all competitions. His performances in the middle even helped them register a sixth-place finish in the La Liga – their best in the last three seasons, giving a clear glimpse of his talent.
Meanwhile, Odegaard, who joined Madrid as a 16-year-old back in 2015 saw himself failing to break into the first-team line-up at Bernabeu, with the side already filled with an abundance of talents. This saw him being shipped out on loan to sides such as Heerenveen, Vitesse, and most recently to Sociedad last summer.
The Norwegian’s deal with Sociedad was supposed to be a two-year loan spell. However, Madrid had inserted a clause in his agreement, which now enables them to recall their young playmaker. The report also states that Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has been convinced with his displays this season and believes that he can be a part of their first-team setup next season.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, emerged La Liga champions this season after a two-year hiatus and would now be keen to defend their title in the upcoming season.
Despite their success in the league this term, there remain uncertainties in the Madrid midfield. The club’s decision to recall Odegaard seems like a step in the right direction. Attacking midfielders such as James Rodriguez and Isco have been linked with an exit in recent times while Luka Modric turns 35 next month and his deal is set to expire next summer.
Isco and Rodriguez’s departure means Madrid would only be left with one established playmaker in Modric. Apart from the Croatian, they only have youngsters Reinier, Oscar Rodriguez, and Brahim Diaz as a back-up but none of them have enough experience.
This could prove to be costly for Zidane’s side next season in their pursuit of a title challenge and calling the young but experienced Odegaard seems like a good bet.
Hence, Madrid would be making a wise choice by bringing back the Norwegian youngster rather than letting him finish the rest of his two-year loan spell at Sociedad.
The uncertainties surrounding the future of Isco and Rodriguez means Real Madrid do not have enough established playmakers in their ranks. Odegaard’s arrival will only make them stronger. There also remains the concern of Modric’s growing age. Moreover, Odegaard is only 21 and can develop into a world-class player under the guidance of Zidane.
