Liverpool is reportedly set to initiate talks with Schalke 04’s rising talent Assan Ouedraogo, a player drawing comparisons to former Anfield favorite Xabi Alonso for his midfield prowess and pace. The 17-year-old midfielder is gaining attention not only from Liverpool but also from RB Leipzig, intensifying the competition for his signature.

Florian Plettenberg previously revealed that Liverpool had been closely monitoring Ouedraogo’s development, and this interest was further substantiated by Fabrizio Romano. However, the talented teenager is not short of suitors, with RB Leipzig positioning themselves as strong contenders in the race to acquire his services. Follow your favourite Premier League team with attractive football betting odds from Nextbet. 

Ouedraogo’s rapid ascent in the German football scene is evident, as he is already being likened to Xabi Alonso for his ability to drop deep and orchestrate attacks from the midfield. His searing pace adds another dimension to his game, enabling him to break through defensive lines effectively.

Despite making his senior debut for Schalke at the start of the season, Ouedraogo quickly established himself as a regular at the Veltins Arena. He demonstrated his capabilities by providing an assist in Schalke’s much-needed 3-2 victory over Hannover 96, helping end a streak of four consecutive defeats.

If Ouedraogo were to join Liverpool, he could have a chance to shine under Jurgen Klopp’s guidance. Klopp has a track record of promoting academy talents to the first team, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones being notable success stories. Recent additions like Jarell Quansah and Ben Doak have also broken into the senior setup.

Ouedraogo’s ongoing exposure to first-team football, even in Germany’s second division, could prove valuable if Liverpool’s discussions with the young midfielder materialize into a concrete agreement. With his talent and potential, Ouedraogo is undoubtedly an exciting prospect for Liverpool and RB Leipzig, setting the stage for a fierce battle for his signature. Get the latest updates from the Premier League only on Nextbet Sports.