Ajax rule out Odegaard, Leverkusen interested

Ajax have decided not to pursue signing Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid anymore, according to AS.

The Dutch domestic double winners were linked with a move for the 20-year-old attacking midfielder for a few months, reportedly viewing him as a possible replacement for Hakim Ziyech who is likely to leave Amsterdam this summer. They were even reportedly willing to pay up to €20 million for his services. However, following a meeting between the player and Ajax sporting director Marc Overmars, they have chosen to pull the plug.

Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen remain strongly in the running for the young Norwegian, and there are even suggestions that his father may have traveled to Germany to discuss the move. The Bundesliga club are looking to sign a replacement for Julian Brandt who has completed a move to Borussia Dortmund.

There is a possibility of a loan move as Real feel Dani Carvajal’s experience at Leverkusen was beneficial. Otherwise, they are likely to demand a buyback clause to be inserted into any potential deal.