Report: Bayern eyeing Real Madrid wunderkind Martin Odegaard
Bavarian giants Bayern Munich continue to monitor Real Madrid teenager Martin Odegaard.
The Norwegian teenager's meteoric rise with the Decima champs has stalled, prompting speculation that the nine-time capped international could be looking to make a move in the summer, according to a report from ESPN FC.
The attacking midfielder has not made an appearance for Los Blancos this season, and has only once by named to the first team, featuring as an unused substitute during a match against Levante in March.
He has made one appearance for the senior side, coming on during the final match of last season in the 58th minute, becoming the club's youngest ever debutant at 16 years and 157 days old.
Amid interest from several clubs including Arsenal, Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, and Bayern, Odegaard, 17, moved to the Spanish capital in January 2015 from Norwegian side Stromsgodset for a reported fee of €4 million.
"It was the best option for the development of my career as much in the sporting sense as personally," Odegaard said in 2015 after signing with Real, adding, "It was a dream come true."
Odegaard may be singing a different tune now, as a career that was expected to take its next step at the Santiago Bernabeu has stagnated.
Odegaard, who in 2014 became the youngest player to feature in a Euro qualifier, began to attract the attention of Europe's biggest clubs. Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge took notice, saying, "Many grooms are waiting on the door step. Maybe we are the best looking groom."
Those comments were followed up with remarks from Bayern sporting executive Matthias Sammer, who admitted that the club was still monitoring the prodigious talent.
"There are always situations in this business where you get signals. And, of course, you keep contact," Sammer offered, adding that a move for the Norwegian youngster "is not up for debate."
"It was his decision (to join Real) back then, and you have to respect that. He is a good player, he has to bite through."