Martin Odegaard to Real Madrid: Latest Transfer Details, Reaction and More

Real Madrid have beaten a whole host of major European clubs for the signature of Norwegian wonderkid Martin Odegaard.

The attacking midfielder—who turned 16 on Dec. 17—was previously linked with the likes of Liverpool, Ajax and Bayern Munich, but he has now signed a professional contract with Los Blancos.

Continue for updates.

---

Odegaard to Make Castilla Debut vs. Beijing Guoan

Tuesday, Feb. 3

According to Carlos Forjanes of AS, Odegaard will make his debut on Feb. 4 against Beijing Guoan:

"

On Wednesday, Martin Odegaard will play his first match with Castilla.

[...]

Beijing Guoan, who will be Castilla’s opponents in this unofficial match, are under the stewardship of former Atlético Madrid coach Gregorio Manzano. The Chinese team have recently spent time in Spain, having been in Mallorca, and they also played against Barça B.

"

---

Madrid Reported to Pay £2.3m, £80K Per Week for Odegaard

Thursday, Jan. 22

An Associated Press report (h/t Daily Mail) has detailed the alleged terms behind Odegaard's move to the Bernabeu:

"

Real did not give details of financial terms but Spanish media reported they had agreed to pay around £2.3million (3million euros) for the 16-year-old. It was also believed that Odegaard will be on £80,000 a week at the Bernabeu.

"

An image of the youngster's medical was provided by SocialRMadrid:

"

Martin Ødegaard passes his medical tests. pic.twitter.com/kgml5Fq6bs

— SocialRMadrid (@SocialRMadrid) January 22, 2015"

Speaking at his unveiling on Friday, Odegaard confirmed he is ready to work hard in either the senior team or Madrid's youth ranks, reported by Nicholas Rigg of AS:

He was also prompted to outline his admiration for a certain Madrid star, per Rigg:

Guillem Ballague of Bleacher Report weighed in on Odegaard and Ronaldo and Real Madrid's future:

---

Real Madrid Confirm Signing of Odegaard

Wednesday, Jan. 21

The club confirmed the news of the high-profile deal on Wednesday. A press conference is scheduled for Thursday.

Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge previously described Odegaard as the "talent of the century," per Sport1 (h/t 101 Great Goals), with the Bundesliga champions former front-runners for his signature.

Odegaard has trained with Liverpool and Bayern, as well as at the Bernabeu, per the Mirror's Ed Malyon, with Ajax and Manchester United also interested.

Thus, the European champions' signing of the Stromsgodset IF star is something of a coup. He will likely thrive under the watchful eye of manager Carlo Ancelotti, though it is set to be some time before he breaks into the first team.

Marca recently reported that Real's offer of a club position to Odegaard's agent and father, Hans Erik, was integral in the deal being completed.

Odegaard has broken a number of records in his fledgling career, having become the youngest player to play in the Tippeligaen when he made his debut for Stromsgodset in April. He became the youngest-ever debutant for the Norwegian international team in August.

However, as sports writer Lawrence Donegan notes, Odegaard is undoubtedly under a huge amount of pressure, considering the weight of expectation on his young shoulders, and Real will need to protect him:

He does have an excess of talent, which could potentially see him become a world-class player in the future. Oliver Kay writes in The Times that Odegaard is "blessed with remarkable poise, balance, vision and the silkiest of touches—imagine a younger, taller, quicker David Silva."

Considering the position of Los Blancos in the world game and their standing as one of the best teams in Europe, Odegaard has made a terrific move to a club where he can thrive.

It is likely to take some time for him to reach his full potential. He must not be expected to achieve too much too soon, but it will be fascinating to watch the progression of such a talented youngster.