FANS on social media were left baffled by Manchester City’s decision to sign Martin Odegaard on loan – until it was revealed to be fake.
Real Sociedad posted the news on their website on Saturday morning with an official looking “thank you” image mocked up.
Odegaard’s arrival is bad news for Phil Foden – were it trueCredit: Getty – Contributor
However, something wasn’t quite right.
For onlookers from outside of Spain, it slowly clicked that December 28 is a notorious day on the Iberian calendar.
Known as the Day of the Holy Innocents, Saturday was the Spanish equivalent of April Fool’s Day.
Word spread that the announcement was a dud but it didn’t stop a number of fans from lamenting the attacking midfielder’s switch.
One fan tweeted: “Pep spending money on Odegaard instead of stopping Liverpool from winning the league what a fraud.”
K.Dot commented: “I thought Pep developed youths, imagine what Foden is going through right now with this Odegaard signing.”
Syders lamented: “Odegaard was having a good season why would he make such a stupid decision.”
While Sean went for some more serious analysis: “City need a centre-back and there out here getting someone who won’t even start for them right now. Besides that really good signing for Odegard too as he will develop well under Pep.”
And Adebayo cried out: “wtf!! you mean Phil Foden isn’t enough? now, it’s Martin Odegaard? lmaoooo truly Pep is a FRAUD!”
Indeed, it would have perhaps been obvious to anyone reading the full statement on Real Sociedad’s website, the La Liga side remarking: “We are forced to take this difficult decision in order to avoid possible media comments for the next six months. What a relief!”
Basque side Sociedad also don’t actually own the Norwegian – he himself is already on a temporary deal from Real Madrid.
El Día de los Santos Inocentes, as it’s known in Spain, has been used many times over the years to plant cheeky but controversial news stories.
In 2016, Madrid City Council announced problems with Atletico Madrid’s construction of the Wanda Metropolitano had forced them to agree a ground share… with rivals Real at the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid youngster Martin Odegaard is a Man Utd target – here is why
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
