Remember him?
Martin Ødegaard joined Real Madrid as a 15-year-old back in 2014 after he was touted as the next big thing. However, like with most teenage prodigies, it didn’t quite work out as planned. He played 62 times for Real Madrid Castilla – their B team – but only made one league appearance for the senior team, off the bench in a meaningless end of season game.
He has since enjoyed a successful loan spell at Eridivisie club Heerenveen, and is nearing another loan move away from Madrid as the club try to continue his development in a more physically demanding league.
Still only 19, he has plenty of time ahead of him to fulfill his potential, even if he doesn’t win the Ballon d’Or, as was expected of him when he rocked up to the Bernabéu.
The Mirror have reported that the creative midfielder is close to joining either Aston Villa or Derby County on loan for this season. They claim that Villa will invest heavily in the loan market before the window closes, and they will have to if they are to cover Ødegaard’s wages.
Frank Lampard has shown a willingness to put trust in youth during his short time as Derby manager so far too, and is reportedly interested in taking the young Norwegian to Pride Park for the season.
The sudden spike in interest comes after the player was left out of Real Madrid’s squad for the UEFA Super Cup final against Atlético Madrid, which will take place on Wednesday night.
Ødegaard is reportedly open to another loan move, but Madrid will only send him to a club where he will feature regularly as a starter.
Villa fans will be rubbing their hands together at the prospect of Ødegaard and Jack Grealish playing together in midfield, before realising that Steve Bruce will be in charge of coaching them.
