Liverpool join Chelsea in race for German wonderkid

Cameron Smith

17 Oct 2023 10:38 BST
3 min read

Liverpool have entered the race for talented Schalke midfielder Assan Ouedraogo, who is also being monitored by the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City, according to reports.

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Ouedraogo is just 17 years old and he became Schalke’s youngest ever appearance-maker and goal-scorer when he netted on his debut against Hamburg earlier this season.

The midfielder has become a key part of Schalke’s side following their relegation from the Bundesliga last season and has featured in all nine of their league games so far this campaign.

Ouedraogo has made six starts during that time and his emergence into the senior stage has caught the attention of scouts across Europe.

Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has reported that Liverpool have now emerged as potential suitors for Ouedraogo, with Jurgen Klopp monitoring his development at Schalke.

In addition, Plettenberg revealed that Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion are interested as the youngster begins to attract interest from the Premier League.

Ouedraogo will have a release clause of around €20 million included his contract when he turns 18 in 2024, as per Plettenberg and Bild’s Christian Falk.

Which other clubs are interested in Ouedraogo?

RB Leipzig are closely watching the Schalke midfielder, according to Falk, and Leipzig;s sporting director Rouven Schroder was seen talking to Ouedraogo’s father and brother during their Champions League clash with Man City.

Furthermore, 90min have reported that a host of clubs are interested in Ouedraogo.

Chelsea, Man City, Newcastle United, Brentford, West Ham United, Bayer Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid, Valencia, Lens, Marseille and Nice are all interested in the 17-year-old and are monitoring his progress in the 2.Bundesliga.

It remains to be seen which club lands Ouedraogo, but with so many elite European clubs chasing his signature, it seems likely that he will leave Schalke for pastures new at some point in the near future.