Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard's salary previously stunned one of his Arsenal colleagues after securing his permanent return to the Gunners in 2021. The Norway international, who is preparing to take on England in a World Cup quarter-final, had spent a period on loan at the club before finalising his £30million transfer from Real Madrid.
Odegaard's Impact at Arsenal
The midfielder helped transform Mikel Arteta's side and proved instrumental in turning the team into title challengers. Odegaard was appointed captain following his first full campaign with the club, taking over from Alexander Lacazette as skipper. After receiving the armband, Odegaard delivered his most fruitful league campaign in an Arsenal shirt, netting 15 goals and providing seven assists. He was handed a fresh long-term deal in 2023, but Odegaard's original wage packet had already taken former Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney by surprise.
Tierney's Reaction to Odegaard's Wages
The ex-Real Madrid star was reportedly earning approximately £4million annually after completing his permanent switch to the Emirates Stadium in 2021. This figure shocked Tierney, who was captured joking about the midfielder's pay in the All or Nothing: Arsenal docuseries. Speaking to his then-colleague in the opening episode, Tierney asked Odegaard: "Happy to be back bro? I heard what wages you were on so I thought, 'F****** hell.'"
Odegaard's Current Contract
According to Spotrac, the Arsenal skipper's wages have soared to £12.48m annually since penning his fresh contract three years ago. Odegaard delivered a priceless moment for the Gunners last season when he hoisted the Premier League trophy, bringing an end to the club's 22-year wait for a league crown. He has turned out 234 times for Arsenal, netting 42 goals and providing 46 assists. Claims that Odegaard had reached an agreement with Galatasaray were recently dismissed, with the skipper believed to be content at Arsenal.
World Cup Quarter-Final Focus
Odegaard's immediate priority is helping Norway defeat England to secure a World Cup semi-final berth. Stale Solbakken's side are set to compete in the quarter-finals for the first time in their nation's history after a memorable triumph over Brazil in the previous round. While Manchester City frontman Erling Haaland's strikes helped propel the side to a 2-1 victory, Norwegian captain Odegaard also contributed significantly in the middle of the park. His outstanding display irritated Brazilian legend Neymar, who received a yellow card after committing a foul and also collided with him after scoring a consolation penalty.
The former Barcelona and PSG icon subsequently tracked down the Arsenal midfielder after the final whistle and the duo embraced. Odegaard played down any notion of lingering animosity when questioned about the incidents. "Yes, it got a little awkward," he told TV2. "But there was a good atmosphere afterwards. So it ended well." Odegaard will be looking to guide Norway to a historic quarter-final victory against England on Saturday. The 27-year-old has chalked up three assists across four World Cup outings.
