This may not be a surprise (it shouldn’t be, anyway), but Zinedine Zidane was the main protagonist in ending Martin Odegaard’s loan spell at Real Sociedad early.

According to Onda Cero, Real Madrid were happy with Odegaard’s development at Real Sociedad, but two things accelerated his return: 1) La Real’s elimination from the Champions League; and 2) Zidane realized that Odegaard filled an urgent need. According to the same report, it wasn’t just that Zidane saw Odegaard as a squad player, but as someone he is going to guarantee minutes to next season.

Naturally, had La Real qualified for the Champions League, it would’ve been enticing for the club to see him play those big European nights with Real Sociedad. Things shifted now, and Zidane wants to develop Odegaard more closely.

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