Norway boss casts doubt on Odegaard's international future
The Real Madrid Castilla midfielder has again been called up for the under-21s with Per-Mathias Hogmo saying he should have gone on loan.
Real Madrid Castilla midfielder Martin Odegaard has been left out of the Norway squad for a second time this season after being omitted for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan and San Marino.
Under-21s
Instead, Odegaard has been called up for the under-21s, who play Switzerland and Kazakhstan in qualifiers for the under-21 Euros.
"Not at high enough level"
“We hoped he would go out on loan to play at a higher level,” Norway coach Per-Mathias Hogmo said in a press conference. “That’s the main reason he’s not here.”
Rennes loan move
Odeggard was close to a loan move to Rennes in the summer but the deal was thwarted because of Fifa regulations governing the movement of minors. Odegaard will not be 18 until January. He was also the subject of interest from the Bundesliga and if is available in the next window it seems increasingly likely he will seek pastures new.
Odegaard made his debut for Norway under Hogmo in August 2014 at the age of 15, becoming the youngest player even to feature in a European Championship qualifying match. Since then he has won senior nine caps for his country, with his last appearance coming in March.