The former Real Madrid player Martin Odegaard finally settled at a new club. Norwegian wonder kid and emerging star Martin Odegaard signed for Arsenal in 2021 on a four-year deal until 2025 with an option to extend for a fifth year.
The 30 year old completed two medical parts on August 18, 2021, followed by the completion of the regulatory process and visa requirements.
Martin returned to Spain after completing a six-month spell with Arsenal in the 2020/2021 season, where he made 20 appearances and scored two goals.
Later, the Arsenal coach, Mikel Arteta, asked the club management to sign the Norwegian wonder kid. Odegaard signed with Arsenal for a transfer fee of $43 million.
The Norwegian midfielder scored a goal against Spurs in the Premier League on January 15, 2023, and ended the game with a 2-0 victory.
The Gunners midfielder started his senior club career at the age of 15 in 2014, playing for the Stromgodset. Later, he signed with Real Madrid for a transfer fee worth $4.8 million.
He made his national debut for Norway in 2014 and set the record for the youngest senior Norway player and youngest player to play in a UEFA European Champion qualifying match.
Will Martin Odegaard Stay, Or Will He Go?
Martin Odegaard signed a four-year deal with an option to extend for a fifth year with Arsenal in 2021.
After completing a six-month loan spell at Arsenal in the 2020-2021 season, he returned to Real Madrid. But the Arsenal coach, Mikel Arteta, asked the club management to sign the Norwegian wonder kid.
Odegaard signed with Arsenal from Real Madrid for a transfer fee of $43 million.
When asked about Martin, Arteta said, “Martin is a talented young midfielder with a huge experience and has international experience in Norway. He brings healthy competition, and that’s what we want to create.”
Martin Odegaard signed for Real Madrid on 21 January 2015 at the young age of 15. Moreover, he was dubbed as the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo’s throne at the club.
However, the player was placed in Real Madrid’s B team and was sent on loan to three different clubs to nurture his development.
Indeed, a player of his caliber wouldn’t want to go on multiple loan spells.
Pleased At Arsenal
It looks like Odegaard has finally found his foot at the Arsenal football club. He has been given many starting opportunities and has earned his teammates’ respect.
The Norwegian midfielder revealed to VG Sports that he is pleased to play for Arsenal football club. He further said, “I’m very happy to be at Arsenal. I like it here.”
Stability has been a big issue for the versatile midfielder. After enduring loan spells at Real Sociedad, Heerenveen, and Vitesse, Odegaard has now proven his worth in the Premier League.
The talented midfielder scored seven goals and provided five assists in the 2021-2022 season.
He is the key player in Arteta’s ball and has already scored eight goals and six assists in twenty-six appearances of the 2022/2023 season.
Martin and his team, Arsenal, are currently fighting for the Premiere League title and have acquired 50 points from 20 games.
In his time with Real Madrid, the former manager Zinedine Zidane was packed with midfield options, with Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Luka Modric, and Isco.
As a result, martin didn’t receive much chance to prove his worth.
The Dilemma Surrounding His Future
Real Madrid announced Odegaard’s signing with huge glamor all around the world. However, despite all the frenzy, he did not live up to the expectation at Real Madrid.
Odegaard’s loan spell at Arsenal became the crucial period that decided his future. At the end of his loan spell, the north London club decided to sign him on a four-year deal.
Speaking in a press conference, he said, “I’m very happy to be at Arsenal. I like it here. Beyond that, I have no more comments other than that I focus on ending the season, then we will see what happens after that.”
Odegaard is highly pleased with Arsenal and looks forward to finishing the 2022-2023 season in a strong position.
Coach Mikel Arteta describes Odegaard as phenomenal and handed the Captain’s armband at the start of the season.
Odegaard’s Time At Arsenal Only Getting Better
After making multiple appearances for Arsenal, it looks like Odegaard has finally adapted to the team.
In an away win against Spurs on January 15, 2023, Odegaard made a significant mark after scoring the world-class goal that baffled the goalkeeper came in the 36th minute.
This goal undoubtedly gave Odegaard’s confidence a much-needed boost.
As Arsenal will play Brentford on the 11th of February, Odegaard will undoubtedly expect to impact the game and wants to be a part of it.
Martin Odegaard Named Norway’s New Captain
Odegaard was announced as the new Norwegian team captain on March 13, 2021, by former national team coach Stale Solbakken.
Odegaard revealed in an interview that he was extremely excited about being awarded the captaincy. This made him the youngest captain of the national team at age 22.
