Liverpool failed in bid for Real Madrid starlet last summer

Matt Stead

Liverpool tried to sign Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid last summer.

Jurgen Klopp oversaw a low-key transfer window at Anfield before this season, signing goalkeepers Adrian and Andy Lonergan while bringing in youth prospects Sepp van den Berg and Harvey Elliott.

But Liverpool also attempted to bring in Odegaard as the Norwegian started restoring his reputation at the Bernabeu.

The 21-year-old had struggled at Real since joining from Stromsgodset in 2015, but loan spells in the Netherlands with Heerenveen and Vitesse returned 11 goals and rave reviews.

He caught the attention of Liverpool before moving to Real Sociedad for another temporary spell, this time under the watchful eye of Real in La Liga.

Odegaard has seven goals and eight assists in 28 games for La Real, who sit fourth in the table and were on course to qualify for the Champions League before the global pandemic forced the season’s suspension.


FEATURE: The rise, ‘fall’ and rise again of Martin Odegaard


Leonid Slutsky, who worked with Odegaard at Vitesse, confirmed that Liverpool had made an offer.

“His time at Vitesse has been very important,” he told EFE.

“He became one of the best players in the Eredivisie and had many offers in his pocket. Not only from Real Sociedad, but also from Liverpool and Ajax.

“It is an honour to have had a share in Martin’s growth as a footballer.”

 

The F365 Show is on hiatus until the football returns. Subscribe now ready for its glorious comeback. In the meantime, listen to the latest episode of Planet Football’s 2000s podcast, The Broken Metatarsal.