Liverpool once had Arsenal’s £30m superstar training with them, he could’ve been brilliant
In football, there are numerous sliding door moments. Scenarios that may have altered the entire outcome of a game, or perhaps the career of a club or individual. These are the moments you remember fondly if they went your way, or resentfully for years if they went against you.
Football transfers in particular are like this. Behind the scenes, there are several transactions that come close to completion but ultimately fail for a variety of reasons. Nabil Fekir was one of Liverpool’s most noteworthy recent instances.
The French international appeared to be on the verge of signing with the club. However, Liverpool withdrew from a deal to sign him at the last minute. Looking back, it was a decision that Liverpool will not regret.
When it comes to another player, who has now signed for Arsenal for £30 million (Sky Sports), Liverpool’s feelings will be vastly different. Especially since he may have been an ideal signing for Liverpool.
Martin Odegaard trains with Liverpool.
Martin Odegaard is the guy in question, and he was one of the most sought-after teens in international football nearly a decade ago. At the time, a number of clubs were interested in signing Odegaard. Liverpool was among them, inviting the Norwegian prospect to train with Brendan Rodgers’ first squad with Steven Gerrard and Philippe Coutinho.
Odegaard eventually decided to go for Real Madrid, and then later for Arsenal. The rest is history. Odegaard has subsequently emerged as one of the Premier League’s best and most creative players. He is also the Gunners’ captain and, at 25 years old, is still very much in his prime.
It would have been great to see him in a Liverpool shirt, though. He would have been ideal for Jurgen Klopp, and we’d have delighted to watch how his career progressed under the German. Perhaps in a parallel reality, we know the answer. But in this regard, he is Arsenal’s advantage.
