Club fears Liverpool will win €20 million race to sign astonishing 17-year-old talent

Liverpool now appear to be in a strong position to secure the services of 17-year-old Schalke revelation Assan Ouédraogo, as it was reported in October that the club was in negotiations with his representatives.

On Sunday, Calciomercato published an article about the promising youngster in which it was argued that a player of his caliber would not remain at the club based in Gelsenkirchen.

The athlete has determined that he or she will remain with Schalke for at least one full season, disproving any rumors that a January transfer was imminent.

His departure from the club is anticipated during the summer of 2024, and AC Milan is concerned that he will instead finalize contracts with Liverpool and two other clubs.

RB Leipzig, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich “represent the real threats” to the Rossoneri’s pursuit of Ouédraogo, according to Calciomercato.

Florian Plettenberg, a reputable German journalist, reported in October that Liverpool was in discussion with Ouédraogo’s representatives regarding a transfer to Anfield in 2024.

Plettenberg disclosed the following via his Twitter account: “Eintracht Frankfurt has initiated negotiations to acquire Assan Ouédraogo.

“Napoli, Leipzig, Bayern, Milan, Frankfurt, and Liverpool… His management is currently engaged in multiple discussions. Dortmund BVB has no chance.”

Whoever acquires Ouédraogo will be acquiring a player of extraordinary potential who may prove to be an excellent value. With his contract scheduled to expire in 2027 and a release clause of €20 million (£17.4m) in place, the player possesses the ability to depart should the clause be activated.

Liverpool is renowned for its exceptional ability to develop youthful talent into their fullest potential. It is not only a club tenet, but also a strategy supported by Jurgen Klopp, a manager renowned for fostering an atmosphere that encourages the development of young talents.

Standing at 1.91 meters (6 feet 3 inches), Ouédraogo is a formidable opponent who not only has the ability to glide past opponents but is also quite adept at winning the ball back.

Fbrefs estimates that he ranked in the 99th percentile for progressive carries, which signifies that he advanced the ball at least 10 yards towards the opposing goal, based on the scant data available from his nascent career. He accomplishes this 3.51 times per 90.

This would greatly please Jurgen Klopp, as his midfielders are frequently expected to surge forward, and Ryan Gravenberch has performed admirably in this capacity during his brief tenure with the club. Although the Dutchman averages 2.51 progressive carries per 90, he does so in a significantly more competitive league.

Ouédraogo is an extraordinary player considering his youth, and should he maintain his current rate of development, Liverpool’s expenditure of £17.4 million on him could prove to be a bargain in the long run.