How soon could Odegaard return to Real Madrid?
The Norwegian winger has been assigned to Real Sociedad for two seasons, as per the player's request. But could he return to Real Madrid sooner?
This summer, Martin Odegaard returned to Real Madrid after a second loan stint away from the Bernabéu knowing he would have to find a loan destination for the third occasion since joining the club in 2015.
Having had a choice between Bayern Leverkusen and Real Sociedad, he chose the Basque club, where it has been agreed that he will remain for the next two seasons.
Having had an impressive season with Dutch club Vitesse last season, Odegaard has so far been one of the stand-out players in LaLiga to date, demonstrating a level to put him amongst the elite. (The latest example came against Alavés on Thursday with his hitherto assist of the season).
With Real Madrid short of reinforcements in midfield, they could consider reclaiming the Norwegian playmaker by the end of the season. But how soon could the 20-year-old really return to the Bernabéu?
Madrid-Sociedad agreement on Odegaard
As reported by AS reported back in June, Odegaard renewed his contract with Los Blancos until 2021 before leaving for Sociedad, which will see him on the Bernabéu books until at least 2021. Once his short-term future was committed to Madrid, the two clubs came to a two-year loan agreement, with Sociedad paying his full salary – 2 million euros a year – during that duration.
However, officially, he has only be assigned to Sociedad for one season, after which, if Real Madrid do not want to exercise their right to take him back, he will be reassigned to the Basque club for a second year (a scenario that has already been agreed). This formula is used so as to not violate transfer regulation, which does not allow loan deals of more than one year in duration.
Therefore, if Real Madrid want him to return at the end of the season, he can do so. Although the club would be obligated to pay compensation of 2 million euros to Sociedad, which would cover the salary paid to the player by the Basque club during his season at the Anoeta Stadium. Of course, such a move would also have to be approved by the player himself, who had specifically requested a long-term assignment.
For now, Odegaard’s plan is to remain to stay at the Anoeta for the full two-season duration, where he wants to establish himself before making the final jump to the ranks of Madrid’s first team
The Norwegian winger has so far been a key figure since his arrival at Sociedad, topping off his impressive performances for coach Imanol Alguacil with two goals and one assist in six games, all of which he has started.