Martin Odegaard is someone Liverpool might model themselves after in a transfer deal that would yield numerous short- and long-term advantages.
There will always be a lingering doubt about what may have been for Liverpool under Martin Odegaard. However, the captain of Arsenal might serve as the model for a cunning transfer this summer.
Odegaard, a born and raised Liverpool supporter, trained at Melwood as a gifted young man before deciding to join Real Madrid. Subsequently, the Gunners extended an offer to him for his next Premier League opportunity, not the Reds.
That has been a huge success for Mikel Arteta. Among the finest in the competition, Odegaard has established himself alongside players like Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, and Mohamed Salah.
For a while, though, it seemed as though he would be just another talented kid who is cast aside. He wasted a lot more time on a series of loans than he did at the Bernabeu, and Real Madrid was too much, too soon.
In 2019–20, his brief move to Real Sociedad was a true coming-of-age experience. Because of the financial impact of Covid-19, Real Madrid decided to explore internally for potential after Odegaard demonstrated his ability in La Liga. He will remain with the team for the start of the upcoming season.
However, in the latter part of 2020–21, he moved on loan to Arsenal since he was still having trouble getting minutes. In the end, that arrangement would become permanent.
Liverpool is attempting to sign Martin Zubimendi, and it is evident that it feels Real Sociedad has served as a similarly productive long-term testing ground for him. However, it might draw inspiration from the Odegaard move there and set up a short-term loan in the opposite direction to close that deal.
More specifically, Liverpool may suggest that Stefan Bajcetic be loaned to the Basque Country in order to sweeten the pot (and maybe even entice Real Sociedad to accept payment in installments). If all goes according to plan, the Spaniard might return more better prepared for the demands of playing at the highest level.
Regarding Bajcetic, there are conflicting reports, neither of which should be regarded as definitive. Football Insider reports that Slot has promised to give the midfield player lots of playing time at Liverpool this season, despite DaveOCKOP’s allegations that the player has been told he can leave on loan.
Notably, The Athletic stated that Zubimendi talks “do not currently centre on” players moving in the opposite direction. Thus, at this point, a Bajcetic loan-swap transfer is purely hypothetical.
However, it would be very logical. Real Sociedad’s midfield will require reinforcement in the final few weeks of the transfer window because both Zubimendi and Mikel Merino are in danger of leaving. Getting Bajcetic as part of a Liverpool transfer would immediately lessen the loss.
Furthermore, Odegaard is a living illustration of the potential advantages for the Reds. If Bajcetic makes a name for himself at Anoeta, he has the potential to reach even greater heights in his game.
Bajcetic is already talented enough to contribute at Anfield, but Liverpool shouldn’t add him just for show. But in the event that a makeweight were required, this could work out well for everyone.
According to Liverpool.com, Bajcetic would have a much harder time getting into the game if Zubimendi signed. However, it would be erroneous to disregard him, given that he essentially replaced Fabinho in 2022–2023. Only injuries have hindered his further development.
Thus, taking out a loan could be a wise choice. Although a season of consistent playing time at Real Sociedad could be transformational, as it was for Odegaard, Liverpool won’t be in a rush to send him out.
Liverpool needs to make sure that Bajcetic’s long-term route is maintained, no matter what. He is incredibly talented.
