Real Madrid youngster Martin Odegaard joins Heerenveen on loan

The 18-year-old playmaker was unveiled by the Eredivisie club at a press conference on Tuesday morning having secured an 18-month temporary stay.

The Norway international arrived at the Bernabeu from Stromsgodset in his homeland in 2015 with a reputation as a wonderkid and, aged 16 years and 157 days, became the youngest player to represent Madrid.

But Odegaard has struggled to make an impression in Spain, making only one first-team appearance this term in the Copa del Rey, and has made the move to Holland in order to secure regular first-team football.

Odegaard said in a press conference streamed on Heerenveen's official YouTube channel: "This is the best decision for my development.

"I'm very happy and it is a good chance for me to show my qualities.

"It seems like a very good club. We had some good talks. I am looking forward to it, very excited.

"They told me a lot about the club, what they expected of me. I want to develop and that is the reason I am here.

"Madrid is a very good club. I had a good time there training in the best team of the world, but it is difficult because there are many great players there."

Heerenveen are fourth in the Eredivisie, 13 points off leaders Feyenoord.

This is the best move for all parties. Odegaard is a prospect, but that's all he is... and Real Madrid aren't a club for such a young talent.

He needs time and space, preferably away from the attention of the Madrid media, but still requires a sufficient standard of football to accelerate his development. And the Eredivisie is the perfect fit.

Of course, Odegaard may still disappear into obscurity, but this gives him the best chance of achieving something in his career, while also handing Heerenveen a much-welcomed publicity boost.