Liverpool needs to act swiftly to sign FC Schalke 04 prodigy Assan Ouedraogo to beat Newcastle United and Manchester United
Liverpool faces competition from Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Newcastle United for the young FC Schalke 04 midfielder Assan Ouedraogo. Ouedraogo has enjoyed an impressive start to his young career, playing in the 2. Bundesliga for at struggling Schalke side.
The German side suffered relegation from the Bundesliga in the 2022-23 season and struggled to survive in the second tier. Schalke finished 10th in the 2. Bundesliga last season, mustering only 43 points, 20 points away from promotion play-offs qualification.
Oeudraogo played consistently for the German side, missing the games only due to numerous injuries he sustained during the season. The 18-year-old is the best asset that they possess but the poor financial situation could force Schalke to sell him.
Standing at 1.91 metres, Oeudraogo is already well-built physically and fully capable of playing at the highest level of football. The Germany U17 is an aerial threat and possesses the upper body strength to shield the ball in possession.
He has the athleticism and close control to make powerful long-striding runs through the middle or the flanks. The 18-year-old has shown versatility to play in multiple positions, prominently playing as an attacking midfielder and a left winger.
Ouedraogo uses his agility to make quick turns on possession and exploit the middle spaces to make progressive carries. He possesses the technique and passing to dictate the tempo of the game which earned him comparison to Xabi Alonso.
However, the 18-year-old is more attack-minded and he needs to develop the defensive side of his game as a midfielder. Ouedraogo has also struggled with injuries that could be due to quick exposure to senior-level football.
The 18-year-old missed several games due to a syndesmotic ligament tear, hamstring injury, adductor pain and an ankle injury. According to Florian Plettenberg through Sky Sports (via @SchalkeNews_S04/X), Liverpool, Man United, Newcastle and Villa want to sign Ouedraogo.
The clause for the Premier League team is £12 million until June 15, a golden opportunity for the Reds. Liverpool have a strong academy and a new head coach in Arne Slot who earned recognition for developing youth.
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Ouedraogo requires a similar method of development that Liverpool used for Stefan Bajcetic when he struggled with recurring injuries. Despite the raw potential and very high ceiling, the young players require thorough monitoring to make sure their career has longevity alongside the fulfilment of their potential.
