Earlier this week the internet was awash with reports that Martin Odegaard was coming to Celtic on loan. Again.
The source of the story seemed to be a little known Italian website. How they would have the inside track on a Norwegian playing in Spain moving to a Scottish club is hard to work out.
As one website ran with the ‘story’ that seemed to give credence to others to jump on the bandwagon rather than miss the ‘story’.
Tellingly, and it may not be popular with some bampots, mainstream publications, with the exception of the fanzine like Scotsman, gave the story a wide berth. A quick call or text to those in the know probably got a negative response or a reply of ‘again’.
It’s not difficult to put together the pieces in this jigsaw. A young Norwegian player at one of the biggest clubs in the world requires first team football to accelerate his development.
One of his former manager’s is in charge of the dominant team in Scotland with a realistic chance of Champions League football.
Add in international team-mate Stefan Johansen and the ingredients are all there with only substance missing!
Ronny Deila and Rafa Benitez have their own plans for the remainder of the transfer window with Odegaard a minor element among them.
As Deila attempts to get his squad through three Champions League qualifiers introducing a 16-year-old winger isn’t a priority.
Getting a grip of the personalities and ego’s in the Real squad will provide Benitez with plenty to think over as his new club embark on a PR tour of Australia and China. What’s best for Odegaard won’t be a priority.
Towards the final week of August the situation may change. Real’s campaign will be underway and Deila will have a much better idea of whether he can entice players to Celtic with the carrot of the Champions League.
If a number of variables come into sync Odengaard could well be a Celtic player by the start of September. Hoops fans will debate the merit of the signing but in terms of PR it will certainly be quite a scoop and bring the club increased attention from the world media.
Until then the story will be as reliable as a Wikipedia entry- a little truth without substance as the real world gets on with business- Odegaard in Australia and China with Celtic scurrying around in Europe plotting a return to the Champions League without the much hyped 16-year-old.