Liverpool Eyes Schalke Sensation Assan Ouedraogo in Transfer Race with Chelsea and Manchester United

In the midst of a hotly contested transfer race, Liverpool has thrown its hat into the ring alongside Chelsea and Manchester United, all vying to secure the services of Schalke 04's emerging talent, Assan Ouedraogo. Born in 2006, Ouedraogo has rapidly risen through the ranks, earning a place in the first team after spending nine years honing his skills in Schalke's academy. This 6ft 3in central midfielder, equally comfortable on the wing, has become a regular feature in the second tier of German football this season, showcasing immense promise.

Ouedraogo's standout moment arrived when he became Schalke's youngest-ever goalscorer at just 17 years and 80 days, a record previously held by Julian Draxler. In fact, he's also the youngest player to make a competitive appearance for the club. Before his senior breakthrough, the 17-year-old had already demonstrated his prowess, amassing nine goals and 12 assists in 23 games at the Under-17 level. His impressive journey continued with seven goals and two assists for Schalke's Under-19 squad.

In the current campaign, Ouedraogo has made nine appearances in Germany's 2. Bundesliga, six of which were from the starting lineup. His remarkable skills have not gone unnoticed, as he played a crucial role in Germany's Under-17 European Championship title victory, contributing with one goal and one assist in the tournament.

Ouedraogo's contract with Schalke remains valid until the summer of 2027. However, the allure of a marquee move to a prestigious club could be too enticing to resist. Manchester United and Chelsea are already rumored to be keeping a close watch on Ouedraogo's performances. Recent reports from Calciomercato suggest that Liverpool has also entered the race, seeking to secure this burgeoning talent.

Jurgen Klopp oversaw a midfield overhaul in the summer, with notable arrivals, but Liverpool's interest in Ouedraogo indicates their ongoing quest for midfield reinforcements, especially with Thiago Alcantara's contract expiring soon.

One advantage Liverpool may have is their sporting director Jorg Schmadtke's German connections, which could facilitate the pursuit of Ouedraogo. Despite a reported €20 million release clause in his contract, the youngster could potentially be available for as little as €7 million (£6.1 million).

While Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea all express keen interest, they face stiff competition from the likes of Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig, and AC Milan, who have already presented a proposal to Ouedraogo's camp. AC Milan's offer includes the enticing prospect of a potential first-team role after a loan spell, a proposal that has piqued the midfielder's interest.

However, Milan is awaiting approval from Ouedraogo's family before proceeding with an official approach to Schalke for his transfer. This transfer saga underscores the intense competition for Ouedraogo's promising talents in the world of football.