Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard once turned down Liverpool, his boyhood club, after receiving a tour from Steven Gerrard.

  • Martin Odegaard, a lifelong Liverpool fan, chose Real Madrid over joining his boyhood club.
  • In 2014, Liverpool attempted to sign Odegaard, with Steven Gerrard giving him a tour of the Melwood training complex.
  • Odegaard ultimately signed for Real Madrid before revitalising his career at Arsenal, where he now serves as captain.
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 16: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal acknowledges the fans following the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal FC at London Stadium on April 16, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 16: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal acknowledges the fans following the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal FC at London Stadium on April 16, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard had a chance to join Liverpool, his boyhood club, but ultimately opted for a different path.

The Norwegian midfielder, now thriving at the Emirates, once turned down a move to Anfield after receiving a training ground tour from Steven Gerrard.

Young prodigy courted by Europe’s elite

Back in 2014, Martin Odegaard was one of the most sought-after prodigies in European football.

At just 15 years and 300 days old, he became the youngest player to feature in a European Qualifier when he played against Bulgaria.

This remarkable feat caught the attention of top clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich, all vying for the youngster’s signature. Arsenal also tried to lure him to London at the time.

Graham Hunter, a Spain-based football journalist, recalled the hype surrounding Odegaard in an interview with FourFourTwo.

He noted that the Norwegian and Christian Pulisic were the standout talents at youth tournaments at the time.

Liverpool’s pitch to Odegaard

Liverpool's English midfielder Curtis Jones (L) jumps above Arsenal's Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard to header the ball during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on April 9, 2023. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool’s English midfielder Curtis Jones (L) jumps above Arsenal’s Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard to header the ball during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on April 9, 2023. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

According to Hunter, Martin Odegaard grew up as a massive Liverpool fan, which prompted the club to pull out all the stops to try to sign him.

Liverpool even enlisted their then-captain Steven Gerrard to show Odegaard around the Melwood training complex.

“He actually grew up as a huge Liverpool fan,” Hunter said. “Liverpool pushed the boat out to try to get him. They got Steven Gerrard to show him around the Melwood training complex, as it was at the time.

“They put a big effort into convincing him that this was the right environment, playing on how long he’d been a supporter.”

However, despite his admiration for the Reds, Odegaard decided against joining them.

“Liverpool have always been my dream club,” Odegaard said in 2014. “But I will not let this affect my decision when I choose a new club.”

He eventually signed for Real Madrid in January 2015.

Odegaard’s rise to prominence at Arsenal

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 12: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal celebrates victory in front of their fans after the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Arsenal FC at Craven Cottage on March 12, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 12: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal celebrates victory in front of their fans after the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Arsenal FC at Craven Cottage on March 12, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

After a period of stagnation at Real Madrid, Odegaard’s career found a new lease of life at Arsenal.

He has become a key figure for the Gunners, even being named captain of the team, with his sights set on Premier League glory.

Martin Odegaard’s football career

Odegaard’s career began at the Norwegian club Strømsgodset, where he made his professional debut at the age of 15 in April 2014.

He quickly gained attention for his exceptional skills, and by October 2014, he became the youngest player to feature in a European Qualifier, representing Norway against Bulgaria at 15 years and 300 days old.

His meteoric rise drew interest from major European clubs such as Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool. However, in January 2015, Odegaard chose to sign with Spanish giants Real Madrid. Initially, he played for the club’s reserve team, Real Madrid Castilla, under the guidance of coach Zinedine Zidane.

Odegaard’s development at Real Madrid was slower than expected, which led to a series of loan spells to gain experience and playing time. He joined Dutch club SC Heerenveen in January 2017 for an 18-month loan, followed by a season-long loan at another Eredivisie side, Vitesse, in August 2018.

In July 2019, Odegaard joined Real Sociedad on a one-year loan, with an option for a second year. It was at Sociedad where his career truly began to flourish, as he played an essential role in the team’s impressive 2019-2020 La Liga campaign, scoring four goals and providing six assists.

However, Real Madrid decided to recall him ahead of the 2020-2021 season.

Unable to secure a regular starting spot at Madrid, Odegaard moved to Arsenal on loan in January 2021.

His impressive performances for the Gunners led to a permanent transfer in August 2021.

Since joining Arsenal, Odegaard has established himself as a key player and leader, even being named captain of the team.

His vision, creativity, and goal-scoring ability have made him an influential figure at the club, as he continues to target Premier League success with the Gunners.