Football fans around the world were taken by surprise when Real Madrid announced the sale of Martin Odegaard to Arsenal on loan just six months after he returned from a successful loan spell at Real Sociedad. The Norwegian midfielder had shown glimpses of his talent during his short stint with Los Blancos, and many expected him to play a crucial role in their future plans.
So why did Madrid sell Odegaard? Let’s delve into the details.
The Emergence of Fede Valverde
One of the primary reasons for Madrid’s decision to let go of Odegaard was the emergence of Fede Valverde. The Uruguayan midfielder had an outstanding 2019-20 season and was one of the standout performers in Madrid’s title-winning campaign. His ability to cover ground, break up play, and carry the ball forward made him an essential component in Zidane’s midfield trio alongside Casemiro and Kroos.
Competition for Places
Madrid already had a plethora of midfield options at their disposal, including Luka Modric, Isco, Dani Ceballos, and Marco Asensio, apart from Valverde, Casemiro, and Kroos. With so many players vying for a limited number of spots in Zidane’s starting XI, it was always going to be challenging for Odegaard to cement his place in the team.
Injury Concerns
Odegaard arrived at Madrid with high expectations but struggled with injuries during his initial months at the club. He missed several games due to a knee injury and failed to make an impact when he did play. Although he showed glimpses of his immense potential during his loan spell at Sociedad last season, there were still concerns about his fitness levels.
Financial Considerations
In these uncertain times, clubs are looking to cut costs wherever possible. Madrid is no exception.
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the club’s finances hard, and they have been forced to make tough decisions to balance their books. The decision to loan out Odegaard and save on his wages while also receiving a loan fee from Arsenal was a shrewd move from a financial standpoint.
The Promise of Regular Game Time
Finally, the opportunity to play regular first-team football was a significant factor in Odegaard’s decision to join Arsenal on loan. With Mesut Ozil’s departure, the Gunners were in need of a creative midfielder who could unlock defences with his passing and vision. Odegaard fits that bill perfectly and is likely to get more game time at Arsenal than he would have at Madrid.
In conclusion, Madrid’s decision to sell Martin Odegaard was influenced by several factors, including the emergence of Fede Valverde, competition for places, injury concerns, financial considerations, and the promise of regular game time for the Norwegian midfielder. Only time will tell whether it was the right decision or not, but one thing is certain – Odegaard has all the talent and potential to become one of the best midfielders in Europe if he continues to develop his game.