Dundee United’s decision to loan out Kenyan international Richard Odada to Serbian Super Liga side OFK Beograd has sparked discussions, but the club’s head coach has defended the move, emphasizing the need for the midfielder to gain more playing time.
Odada, who has struggled to secure a regular spot in Dundee United’s starting lineup, will spend the remainder of the 2024/25 season with the Serbian outfit. The 24-year-old has prior experience in Serbian football, having previously played for Red Star Belgrade, Graficar, and Metalac. His return to familiar territory is expected to provide him with a platform to regain his form and confidence.
The midfielder first moved to Serbia as a teenager from AFC Leopards but found opportunities limited at Red Star. He was loaned out to lower-tier clubs to gain experience before making a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) side Philadelphia Union in August 2022. A year later, he secured a loan move to Danish side Aalborg, where he impressed with 22 appearances and four goals. His performances in Denmark caught the attention of Dundee United, who signed him on a permanent deal.
However, since joining the Scottish club, Odada has found it difficult to adapt to the pace and physicality of the game. He has made only 14 appearances, mostly as a substitute, accumulating just 365 minutes of playing time. Recognizing his struggles, both the club and the player agreed that a temporary move would be beneficial.
Dundee United’s coach reiterated that the decision to loan Odada does not mean the club has given up on him. Instead, the move is seen as an opportunity for him to gain regular minutes and return stronger. The coach emphasized that Odada remains a valued player, and the club has invested significantly in his development.
“He’s completely understanding of it. We’re not drawing a line under him. We firmly believe that he’s a very talented player. We’ve spent a lot of time in terms of that recruitment process and bringing him over,” the coach explained.
The technical team believes that Odada has the physical attributes required to excel in midfield, but consistent playing time is necessary for him to reach his full potential. The hope is that his stint in Serbia will provide him with the confidence and experience needed to make an impact upon his return.
One of the key challenges Odada has faced in Scotland is adapting to the quicker tempo of the game. The coach had previously acknowledged that the midfielder needed to speed up his decision-making and adjust to the lack of time and space on the ball compared to his previous clubs.
With OFK Beograd currently positioned fifth in the Serbian Super Liga, Odada will have an opportunity to contribute to their push for European qualification. The move presents a crucial period in his career, as he looks to prove himself once again and show that he is capable of competing at a high level.
His return to Serbia marks another chapter in his footballing journey, and if he can rediscover his form, he could become a key asset for Dundee United in the future. The club remains hopeful that the loan spell will help him regain his confidence and return with a renewed determination to establish himself in Scotland.
