Real Madrid youngster Martin Odegaard is reportedly set to move on loan to Rennes despite interest from Liverpool and West Ham.
L’Equipe have reported that Liverpool are set to miss out on securing wonderkid Martin Odegaard’s services as the Real Madrid starlet is nearing a loan switch to Ligue 1 side, Rennes. The report states that Rennes have lodged a late bid to take the player on loan and according to L’Equipe, Odegaard is favouring a move to the Ligue 1 club over other interested parties. It is reported that an answer is likely to be given by the youngster on Monday. Odegaard will, in all probability, say yes as he is interested in the Rennes project.
The Norwegian international moved to the Spanish capital last season for a fee of €4m and played 34 matches for the Castilla, Real Madrid’s B team. He guided the team to a promotion from Spanish third tier to the Liga Segunda. Odegaard has been a part of the first-team squad during the pre-season tour of Real Madrid. Many thought the Norwegian would be part of the first-team setup at Santiago Bernabeu this season after coach Zinedine Zidane likened the 17-year-old to Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.
But, the player and the club both want to fast-track his development as a footballer. This would mean featuring in the first-team on a regular basis going head-to-head against strong opposition. With opportunities likely to remain limited at Real Madrid, the player would be better off at a club where he is guaranteed regular first-team football. Rennes is the most likely destination, as per the reports.
Rennes have recently sold their own young sensation, Ousmane Dembele, to Borussia Dortmund and are reportedly looking for a player to fill the gap. Martin Odegaard would potentially be a perfect fit. Liverpool and West Ham were strongly linked with a move for the 17-year-old with reports even claiming that Odegaard was waiting for an offer from Liverpool. But it seems that the youngster has changed his mind and is now considering a move to Rennes, as per L’Equipe.
