Today is Martin Odegaard’s 16th birthday, meaning that after months of speculation he can finally sign professional terms with a club, if he chooses to.
Here are eleven potential destinations for the wonderkid.
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1) Real Madrid
Marca have today suggested that Odegaard has been tempted by his trip to Real Madrid’s training ground at Valdebebas. They have offered to send him on loan next season to get him game-time.
2) Liverpool
Liverpool fans were delighted to see Odegaard on trial with their club a few weeks ago. Brendan Rodgers has a great record working with youth players, but he may not be around much longer.
3) Bayern Munich
The favourites to sign the youngster after giving him a trial last month, although they are already well stocked with young talent.
4) Manchester City
City have just opened their amazing new youth training complex, but have not been linked as closely with the 16-year-old as some other teams.
5) Ajax
Many would argue that a move to Ajax would be the best move for Odegaard, given their record in developing youth talent in their academy.
6) Barcelona
Barcelona will no doubt be interested in a prodigy like Odegaard, but have always preferred to develop home-grown talent, of which there is no shortage.
7) Manchester United
United were ranked amongst the favourites to sign Odegaard but now appear to have fallen behind Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
8) Borussia Dortmund
The club are having a terrible season but signing Odegaard would improve things. Perhaps he could be tempted by the chance to use their cool training machine.
9) Borussia Monchengladbach
The smallest club on the list, but a rising power, and the place that the youngster is most likely to get decent time on the pitch.
10) Arsenal
Arsenal invited the Norwegian intentional to come and look round their training ground yesterday, perhaps hoping to keep him busy until midnight and then get him to sign a contract there and then.
11) Stromsgodset
Maybe Odegaard’s best option is to stay at his current club in Norway, where he plays regularly and is developing well. There’s no need to rush into a decision that will decide his future just yet…