Suso says £30m Arsenal player once had trial at Liverpool

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Former Liverpool midfielder Suso has recalled the time Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard trialed for a move to Anfield.

Back in 2014, Odegaard was the 15-year-old sensation who everyone wanted to sign. As a boyhood Liverpool supporter, it was only natural that he’d try his luck at Anfield.

Ultimately, the Norwegian ended up with a blockbuster move to Real Madrid. But before that, Odegaard had a week-long trial with the Reds.

Recalling that period, then Liverpool youngster Suso has told The Guardian that the Arsenal man did indeed ‘stand out.’

“When I was at Liverpool, Odegaard came to try out with us for a week,” says the Sevilla midfielder.

“It was that time when everyone wanted him. He trained with Madrid, with Liverpool and a few others. He stood out: left-footed, which I always notice more as a left-footer myself, hair like it is now.

“He had lots of ability. I don’t think I’ve seen him since.”

Suso recalls Odegaard at Liverpool

Suso may not have seen Odegaard since he was a scrawny teenager dazzling onlookers, but Liverpool fans most certainly have.

Reds supporters had to watch on last year as the Norway international almost drove Arsenal to the Premier League title.

The 24-year-old scored 15 non-penalty goals for the Gunners as they just came up short to Manchester City. That was a record-equalling number for a midfielder in the Premier League.

All of that has probably led to Liverpool fans wondering ‘what if’ about their failed attempt to woo a young Odegaard. As a self-professed supporter of the club, Liverpool should have had an advantage.

Indeed, it’s hard to imagine that the Reds of today would allow such an advantage to go by without pressing it home. Had Jurgen Klopp been at the club, perhaps this chance wouldn’t have slipped from their grasp. But slip away it did.

Odegaard hasn’t always made Liverpool regret that in the years since, but after signing for Arsenal for £30m in 2021, he is doing so now.

As for Suso, he’s still going strong as a regular for Sevilla. Having broken through as a youngster at Liverpool, the Spaniard has had a good career and will face Arsenal – and Odegaard – in the Champions League tonight.