Liverpool’s hopes of landing teenage wonderkid Assan Ouedraogo have been boosted after his father revealed transfer interest from the Premier League.
Ouedraogo enjoyed a fine breakthrough season with Schalke in the second tier in Germany and has been linked with a host of clubs across Europe. Arsenal, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Newcastle are all credited with an interest in the 18-year-old.
It was claimed by Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg that Liverpool was also in the mix but Bayern Munich looked to be in pole position after putting an offer on the table for the midfielder.
A move to the Allianz Arena now looks unlikely though with Ouedraogo’s father Alassane revealing that no decision has been made over his son’s future. “The fact is there was never a commitment from Assan and us to FC Bayern,” he told Sky Germany.
“We had had a well-paid contract from Bayern ready for signature for months. The idea and perspective were more important to us than financial possibilities. Bayern has now informed us that it will not pay for the transfer of Assan for various reasons.
“We have not made a commitment to any club. Many clubs, especially from the Premier League, have been very interested in Assan. They would like to sign Assan directly in the summer. We will make the right decision soon.”
Ouedraogo’s performances and stature have seen him likened to ex-Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba. Reports stated that Bayern would look to sign him before loaning him back to Schalke to continue his development.
It was claimed by Goal in November 2023 that the teenager has a buyout clause worth just $22m (£17m/€20m) which can be activated during the summer transfer window.
