Saints were reportably one of the clubs that were vying for the signature of Norwegian wonderkid Martin Odegaard, but judging by stories coming through from Spain perhaps they had a lucky escape.
Saints were linked with Odegaard back in January and in recent weeks it has been reported that there may be a chance that he could be St Mary's bound next season albeit on loan from Real Madrid, but reports coming through are telling stories of a Billy Big Boots player being led in the wrong direction by his father.
Real Madrid were Martin Odegaard's club of choice in January, although there had been talk of Saints being a preferred destination due to the greater chance of playing in the first team, the real truth was that money talked and Odegaard was steered in the direction of Spain and a wage of £80,000 per week.
Although there were reports that the Norwegian would feature in a Champions League fixture soon after he joined Real, this did not turn out to be the case and he was put into the Real Madrid B Side Castilla to learn his trade under Zinedine Zidane.
However things havent gone too well and he has found himself on the bench in recent weeks and he is not happy.
Newspaper AS explained the exact reason for his demotion to the bench and the story doesn't reflect well on him, or his dad;
Since he has been demoted to the subs’ bench, the team is back winning after a run of four consecutive defeats… Ødegaard doesn’t adapt his game to his team mates and that is why the technical staff have realised that they have no other option but to leave him on the bench for the time being.
It’s not so much resentment on behalf of the Castilla team but more a case of the Norwegian continually making the wrong choice. Ødegaard has refused to train with the reserves and only joins in with training sessions on the eve of the team’s games.
The newcomer and his father seek refuge in the clause included his contract with Madrid which stipulates that the club must ensure that he trains with the senior squad five days a week… Yet neither Ødegaard nor his father seem to realize that changing tack and taking the advice they’ve been given on board is the right thing to do, as the teenager’s progress with Castilla constitutes an essential part of his own development.
Regrettably, some players have complained that the teenager "can’t be bothered”.
So it seems that Saints had a big escape in January and perhaps should steer well clear should they be offered the player on loan in the summer.
Perhaps its not all the players fault, any 16 year old, even one on £80k a week needs the right guidance and he clearly doesn't seem to be getting that from his Father.