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Former Bayern Munich scout Bjorn Andersson has said the German champions could not compete with the offer from Real Madrid when losing the race for Norway youngster Martin Odegaard. In December 2014, Odegaard, aged just 15 at the time, was considered one of football's brightest talents, having been linked with Madrid, Arsenal and Liverpool, as well as Borussia Dortmund and Bayern. Bayern did not make any secret of their desire to sign the youngest player to appear in a European Championship qualifier, and CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge labelled Odegaard "obviously a beautiful bride" in late 2014. "Many grooms are waiting on the doorstep. Maybe we are the best looking groom," Rummenigge added when discussing the race to secure his prized signature. However, in January 2015, Odegaard opted to join Madrid instead, saying "it was the best option for the development of my career and a dream come true." But Andersson, Bayern's Scandinavian scout for over 20 years, warned that the youngster was not quite ready for a move and needed to spend more time maturing in his native Norway first. He told Lundh podcast in Sweden: "I talked to his father many times, and I said it was much better for him to stay in Stromgodset for another year and play there." Odegaard, now 18, left Madrid on loan earlier this year having struggled to make an impact, linking up with Heerenveen on an 18-month deal. He has made 14 appearances so far for the Eredivisie side. Andersson, twice a European Cup winner with Bayern, says money was a motivating factor behind the original move to Madrid. "Martin was down in Munich to visit as well, but they chose Real Madrid. And who could say no to that money? I don't think many of us would have said no," he said.
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