Who is Assan Ouedraogo? Liverpool among clubs ‘looking’ at $22m teenager dubbed ‘next Paul Pogba’

Liverpool are one of a number of clubs reportedly considering a move for Schalke sensation Assan Ouedraogo this summer. The 18-year-old is one of the brightest young prospects in German football at the moment.

The Reds could be in for a busy summer following the arrival of Arne Slot, with the Dutchman officially starting his contract as head coach on Saturday. He will not have complete control over transfers but will work closely with sporting director Richard Hughes in identifying targets.

And one of those could be midfielder Ouedraogo, who has been a standout performer for Schalke since their relegation to Germany’s second tier.

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Unsurprisingly, Liverpool aren’t the only team chasing the teenager with European sides also interested. He could have an important decision to make with clubs who could activate his release clause.

Liverpool.com has taken a look at what all the fuss is about and fills in all the speculation surrounding Assan Ouedraogo ahead of the transfer window opening.

background

The teenage midfielder came through the youth ranks at Schalke before making his senior debut earlier this season. Schalke were relegated from the Bundesliga in 2023 and had to make a number of sales in the summer.

That paved the way for Oueadrogo to impress in pre-season and he was given the start on the opening day of the campaign. He didn’t disappoint either, finding the net in his side’s 5-2 defeat of Hamburg, becoming both Schalke’s youngest player and goalscorer.

An ankle ligament injury hampered his progress and he missed four months of action before returning to running fitness. He finished the season on a high, scoring twice in the last four games of the campaign and was a regular with Germany’s Under-17 side.

Ouedraogo is primarily a box-to-box midfielder and is already an impressive 192cm tall. His physique has already drawn comparisons to that of Paul Pogba, while there have also been comparisons to former Chelsea man Michael Essien.

Transfer links

Ouedraogo has become a target for several clubs this summer after his release clause came up. Goal reported in November 2023 that he has a buyout clause worth just $22m (£17m/€20m) which can be activated during the summer transfer window.

Liverpool are one of a number of clubs keen on the teenage midfielder, with Manchester United, Arsenal, Barcelona, ​​Real Madrid and Newcastle keeping tabs on the talent.

Those clubs may have to act quickly, although Bayern Munich are believed to be, as always, in pole position for a German prospect. Sky Sport journalist Florian Plettenberg claims Liverpool are in the mix, but he favors a move to Bayern, who would then loan him back to Schalke for the season.

According to Caught Offside, Ouedraogo’s release clause is much lower for Bundesliga clubs, although this must be triggered by June 15.