Ex-boss says Liverpool made offer for Martin Odegaard last summer

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Liverpool were reportedly keen on bringing Real Madrid’s one-time wonderkid Martin Odegaard to the club last summer, according to his former boss. 

Leonid Slutsky managed the Norwegian talent at Vitesse Arnhem last season, as Odegaard starred for the Dutch club. The Russian was talking to Voetbal International this week when he stated that both Liverpool and Ajax were in the running for Odegaard in the summer. 

“His time at Vitesse has been very important. 

“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 honor to have had a share in Martin’s growth as a footballer. “

In the end, the Norwegian decided to remain in Spain to help his development for Real Madrid. The 21-year-old joined Real Sociedad on loan and has been in fine form for the Basque side, finally showing the form that made him one of the world’s most wanted talents at the age of 16. 

As reported by The Telegraph at the time, Liverpool were one of many clubs across Europe that missed out on the Norwegian when he headed to Real Madrid in an apparent (Forbes) £7.5 million deal. Odegaard even trained with the Liverpool first-team in December 2014, as reported by the Liverpool Echo.

Brendan Rodgers was Liverpool boss at the time but Jurgen Klopp was also a fan. As Odegaard himself told SportBild, as relayed by ESPN, he spoke with Klopp regarding a move to Borussia Dortmund before heading to Spain.

Indeed, Odegaard is a massive Liverpool fan and, as reported by the Liverpool Echo in 2017, was desperate for Klopp to bring him to Melwood when his future at Real Madrid was looking decidedly less certain. 

Now, however, his impressive form in La Liga would make a move to Liverpool very difficult. Real Madrid are likely to start giving the Norwegian a chance to shine when they decide to recall him from his potential two-year loan at Anoeta. 

But it is clear that Odegaard is a name that remains on the radar for both Liverpool and Klopp.