Liverpool are preparing an opening offer for RB Leipzig midfielder Assan Ouedraogo, according to a report from Fussball Daten, as they look to beat Premier League rivals Manchester United and Newcastle United to the German international's signature. The report states that Liverpool's initial proposal could be worth around €40 million (£34.5m), though it is believed this figure may fall short of Leipzig's valuation for the 19-year-old.
Leipzig are expected to consider offers in the region of €45-50 million (£39-43m) for Ouedraogo, but sources close to the situation indicate the Bundesliga club privately values the teenager as an €80-100 million (£69-86m) talent, believing he possesses world-class potential. The situation sets the stage for a potential summer transfer battle, with Manchester United also described as being 'crazy' about the player, while Chelsea are monitoring his development as part of their strategy to sign elite young prospects.
The interest from Anfield aligns with a reported desire from sporting director Richard Hughes and head coach Arne Slot to instigate a 'physical revolution' in Liverpool's midfield. Ouedraogo, who stands at 6ft 3in, is considered by scouts to be a 'perfect profile' due to his dribbling skills, agility in tight spaces, playmaking qualities, and improved attacking output. His emergence at the centre of the European transfer market follows a series of impressive performances for Leipzig this season.
Ouedraogo has been a long-term target for Premier League clubs since first breaking through at Schalke as a 17-year-old, where his combination of physical stature and technical ability drew early comparisons to Paul Pogba. His potential availability comes at a time when Liverpool are assessing their midfield options, with the futures of Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones subject to speculation. The club has also been linked with a move for Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton.
For Newcastle, their interest in Ouedraogo exists alongside reported admiration for Liverpool's Jones, who is said to be open to a move to secure more regular starts. The Magpies could view Jones as a potential replacement for Sandro Tonali, who is being linked with a return to Italy with Juventus. The competition for Ouedraogo's signature underscores his status as one of the most sought-after young midfielders in Europe.
Should Liverpool succeed with an improved bid, securing Ouedraogo would represent a significant investment in the future of their engine room, adding a unique physical and technical blend to Slot's squad. For Leipzig, a sale at or near their upper valuation would represent a substantial profit on a player they signed from Schalke, continuing their model of developing and trading high-potential talent.
