Real Madrid’s Martin Ødegaard has been officially loaned out to SC Heerenveen. The 18-year-old will play in the Netherlands until June 2018, although Real could bring him back this summer if they see fit.
The Dutch side plays in the Eredivisie and is currently 4th, behind Feyenoord, AFC Ajax, and PSV Eindhoven. A signing of a promising young player like Ødegaard could set them up to challenge the big three for a spot in Europe next year.
Though the announcement was made official on Monday through Heerenveen’s website, it was early Tuesday that the Norwegian attacker was presented by his new squad.
Welcome @martinio98! ?⚽️?pic.twitter.com/tyzkZw5OmS
— sc Heerenveen (@scHeerenveen) January 10, 2017
He arrived at the Santiago Bernabéu in January 2015 after Real battled a plethora of top European teams for his signature. He was sent to Real Madrid Castilla, the youth squad, which was then led by Zinedine Zidane.
Martin hasn’t had the stellar role he had wished for, as rumors of his departure have been going around for more than a year. However, Los Blancos certainly don’t want to get rid of a player of his caliber.
The club does understand that keeping him in the Spanish third division is limiting his chances for growth. The Eredivisie has been an established ground for many youngsters to start their career.
Ronaldo Nazario, Ibrahimović, Luis Suárez, and many others all had their start in the Dutch first division. The next 18 months will be fantastic for him to prove if he has what it takes to be a first team player for Madrid.
