Liverpool 'Dream' Will Not Sway Norway Youngster Martin Odegaard Next Summer
Norway and Stromsgodset midfielder Martin Odegaard has cast a flirtatious glance at Liverpool but admits his admiration of the Reds will not affect his next career move.
The 15-year-old made his full international debut last month and is already attracting interest from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund as well as Real Madrid.
Odegaard has followed in the footsteps of his father and is an avid Liverpool supporter however despite labelling Brendan Rodgers' side as his "dream club" he pledges to make a rational decision over an imminent move to a major European league.
"Liverpool have always been my dream club," Odegaard told German newspaper Sport Bild. "But I will not let this affect my decision when I choose a new club.
"It's all about finding the team that is best for me and for my development. That is not necessarily Liverpool. I haven't really thought about my future yet. I will end the season here and then visit a number of clubs. I have not made a final decision yet, though.
"Of course, it's flattering when you hear that big clubs are after you, but I don't think about it too often."
Though Odegaard is open regarding his next career move, Liverpool's youth policy over the past few seasons suggests the Norway international would be well advised to consider a move to Merseyside.
Raheem Sterling, Jon Flanagan and Suso are among the players to make the step up from the club's youth ranks in recent years, with manager Rodgers keen to continue the trend having already handed a debut to Jordan Rossiter this season.
Odegaard is regarded as one of the best emerging youngsters in Europe, with Scandinavian scout Fabrizio Bertuzzi having compared the player to Barcelona duo Xavi and Andreas Iniesta.
Asked about Odegaard following the 1-0 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, Rodgers responded: "I know he's a big talent, at that age to be playing senior football at 15 and in a competitive league. He's got wonderful ability and wonderful talent, but there's nothing much more to say on him."
© Copyright IBTimes 2024. All rights reserved.