Real Madrid teen Martin Odegaard has been linked with a move to Liverpool after having undergone a trial at the Anfield, however, the player is now set to stay at the Bernabeu, as Real are not keen on letting the player go keeping in mind the FIFA regulations regarding a player’s age.
Odegaard will be turning 18 in December and according to Rennes sporting director Mikael Silvestre, Real Madrid will keep the player till then so as to avoid getting into trouble with the FIFA as they have been found breaking the regulations earlier when signing players under the age of 18.
“Odegaard isn’t coming this summer due to a question of age. He’ll turn 18 in December,’ Silvestre said to RMC Radio, according to Spanish publication AS.
“Real Madrid don’t want to take risks. They’re still under the threat of a FIFA penalty, and are awaiting the outcome of an appeal. He can go on loan to another Spanish club, but won’t come to Rennes.”
Odegaard is not in the Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane’s plans for the next season, however, he will be now be staying at the Bernabeu. The youngster had attracted interests from Liverpool and West Ham with a potential move to either of the clubs in cards. French outfit Rennes had made a move ahead of the Reds and the Hammers, however, the player will now not be moving to the club either as he can now move only to another club in Spain.
He has also been left out of the Norway squad for their 2018 World Cup qualifier against Germany and the following friendly against Belarus.
“We selected the squad thinking about the game against Germany,’ Norway manager Per-Mathias Hogmo said. “Martin can play two games with the Under 21s and get some good training in there.
“Martin is a player we really believe in, I think everyone knows that. It will be interesting to see how this all works out.”
