Liverpool are preparing an opening bid for Assan Ouédraogo, in a bid to beat both Manchester United and Newcastle United for the RB Leipzig star. According to a report, however, the bid could be far lower than Leipzig’s price tag.
Both Liverpool and Manchester United need at least one midfield signing this summer. Earlier on Tuesday, United were tipped to bring in three midfielders to replace the departing Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte.
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The situation of Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones at Liverpool has not been clarified either. We revealed on April 17 that Liverpool are chasing Adam Wharton to strengthen their midfield. Ouédraogo is another option.
– New physical giant
According to the German newspaper Fussball Daten, Germany’s “new physical giant” – 191 centimeter tall midfielder Ouédraogo – is being chased by both Liverpool and Newcastle.
The German will become the “centre of the European transfer market” in the summer, following his strong performances in Leipzig’s midfield.
Ouédraogo is seen as a “perfect profile” by top scouts, thanks to his “dribbling skills, agility in tight spaces, playmaker qualities and improved expected goals (xG)”.
– Bid of £34.5 million
Liverpool are planning a “physical revolution” in midfield and are preparing an opening bid worth €40 million (£34.5 million). The report adds that Leipzig will consider selling Ouédraogo for €45-50 million (£39-43 million), but our sources understand that he could go for a much higher sum.
We revealed in March that Leipzig value the 19-year-old at €80-100 million (£69-86 million) – they believe he has world-class potential.
– United “crazy” for the shooting star
Our sources say that Manchester United are “crazy” for Ouédraogo, which sets the stage for a potential transfer battle with Liverpool. Chelsea are also tracking the development of the teenager, as part of their strategy to sign the best young players in the world.
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Long-lasting Premier League goal
Ouédraogo has been linked to the Premier League ever since he broke through at Schalke as just 17 years old. He was quickly compared to Paul Pogba because he is tall, but at the same time has fantastic technical skills in midfield.
Newcastle also follow Liverpool’s Jones
Interestingly, Ouédraogo is not the only midfielder Newcastle are linked with. Reports suggest that they also admire Liverpool’s own Jones. The Scouser is open to leaving Anfield in the summer to get more game time, and Newcastle see him as a potential replacement for Sandro Tonali.
The latter has been linked with both Manchester United and Manchester City, but is reportedly prioritising a return to Italy and Juventus.
To return to Liverpool: Ouédraogo will be joined by a Barcelona star worth €80 million on FSG’s wish list.
