Real Sociedad Emerge in Battle for Odegaard Loan

On Thursday, Martin Odegaard and his father were in Germany expected to finalize a loan deal with Bayern Leverkusen. It now appears that the German club, as well as Ajax, are not the only club heavily in pursuit of the Norwegian. Real Sociedad, located in the beautiful Basque region of Spain, are looking to secure a loan deal. Sociedad are apparently hoping to secure a two-year loan deal (with a possible recall after the first year). Roberto Olabe, the technical director at La Real, is building a fascinating new project. He personally met with Odegaard. The project is already underway with Alexander Isak, the big Swede who famously rejected Real Madrid to join Dortmund, was the other dominant young player in the Eredivisie last season not playing for Ajax. Isak has recently signed for Sociedad and the Scandinavian duo could be a talented and lethal pairing. There is also strong interest from Real Sociedad in Borja Mayoral. Odegaard and Mayoral were teammates in Castilla during the 2015-2016 season.

Gipuzkoa

The decision now lies with the player. Odegaard can take the option of Leverkusen, where he will be playing Champions League football in an attacking set-up under Peter Bosz or the option of Real Sociedad — where he can continue his adaptation to Spain, play in La Liga for a slightly more modest side, but miss out on European competition. At this time, it seems Real Madrid are only looking to loan the player as Florentino has stated in the past that Odegaard will be one of the stars of the future. Above all, Odegaard should be looking for assurance over playing-time and his role within the team.