Man Utd and Man City in race for 17-year-old dubbed 'next Xabi Alonso'

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 2 May 2024 14:42 BST
3 min read

Manchester United and Manchester City have joined Newcastle in pursuit of Schalke’s rising star Assan Ouedraogo.

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Sky Germany had reported that the Magpies was a potential destination for the 17-year-old.

But now Fussball News have stated that Manchester United, Man City, as well as Newcastle, are keeping tabs on the youngster, who celebrates his 18th birthday next Tuesday.

Ouedraogo has scored two goals and two assists across 16 appearances this season. His season has been marred by a four-month hiatus due to injury - but his talent is clear.

The reports suggest that representatives from the Premier League clubs have all visited Schalke's home stadium to scout the teenager. Ouedraogo’s current contract extends until 2027, while it’s not clear how much Schalke will ask for, if they were to sell.

Who is Assan Ouedraogo?

Following Schalke’s disastrous 2022-23 season that led to their relegation from the Bundesliga, head coach Thomas Reis entrusted Ouedraogo with a starting role for their inaugural match in the second tier.

At a mere 17 years and 80 days old, Ouedraogo became the club’s youngest-ever player when he faced off against Hamburg - and even found the net to mark the occasion.

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© IMAGO - The teenager is reportedly similar to Xabi Alonso during his playing days

Ouedraogo exhibits a level of maturity and calmness on the field that defies his young age. He is a versatile player who has been likened to former Real Madrid and Liverpool player Xabi Alonso.

Bundesliga.com wrote: “ While he may not quite possess the passing range of Bayer Leverkusen head coach Alonso, Schalke's starlet likes to drop deep and build attacks from there. However, he is at his best when using his explosive pace and power to break the lines like Essien did at his peak, and his goalscoring record suggests he could add goals to his game as well.”