Nathan Oduwa left Tottenham to begin a new career in Slovenia.
Tottenham Hotspur winger Nathan Oduwa made a surprise move earlier this year by electing to switch to Slovenian side Olimpija Ljubljana.
Oduwa was a promising talent in Tottenham’s academy but was finding it tough to break into the first team.
Tottenham’s Nathan Oduwa
He had several loan spells including one at Rangers, before deciding to move on permanently. His exit was not necessarily a shock, but his choice of club was.
He said: “I had a few offers but the opportunity for more game time was dominating the choice to move.
“I was more surprised with the location than the offer but I was pleased to have an opportunity to showcase my talents. So it’s a win-win situation because in the development side of things we both definitely benefit.
“I did have to think about it because it is a big change and a different country so things like not being around family and the language barrier would be a little difficult. Also the change of game times, which are a little different, so just getting used to those things played on my mind a little but change is good and I’m a lot more settled now.”
Nathan Oduwa is now playing in Slovenia
Oduwa is currently playing in pre-season for the Slovenian side, who are managed by ex-Liverpool midfielder Igor Biscan.
It is a big opportunity for the flamboyant winger to develop and make a name for himself.
Nobody expects Ljubljana to be a club where Oduwa spends the next decade, but for the right here and now, he clearly believes it was a step he needed to take.
He is one of several English youngsters making moves abroad in order to kick on.
Arsenal youngsters Chris Willock and Dan Crowley signed permanent deals with Benfica and Willem II, while Manchester City youngster James Horsfield has moved to NAC Breda.
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