Liverpool have now been told they can sign a talent likened to Jude Bellingham for just £9m after lodging an enquiry.
It was well documented that Liverpool were keen to sign the England international before his £88.5m move to Real Madrid – and he has since blossomed into a €250m (£213m) asset after a stunning debut campaign with Los Blancos.
Now – however – the Reds could be about to sign the next Jude Bellingham after making contact with Schalke 04…
Liverpool told Assan Ouedraogo price
A report from BILD in Germany now claims that Liverpool have made contact with Schalke 04 to ask about Assan Ouedraogo – and the response was a promising one.
The German news outlet believe Liverpool have been told they can sign the 18-year-old for just €10m (£9m) this summer as Schalke 04 desperately need to raise cash amid financial problems.
Manchester United have also been in touch with the German outfit – and have been told the same information – meaning there is pressure on Michael Edwards to get a deal wrapped up quickly.
Ouedraogo has emerged as one of the brightest talents in Europe across recent years, with the Bundesliga’s official website even comparing him to Xabi Alonso, due to his ability to dictate games from deep.
However, the Bundesliga have also likened the teenager to Michael Essien, as he combines his playmaking skills with burst of pace to break opposition lines and drive forward.
For similar reasons, Ouedraogo was also compared to Bellingham in a scout report from Transfermarkt.
FSG and Michael Edwards should stump up the cash
In our view, spending £9m on Ouedraogo this summer should be a no-brainer for Edwards at Liverpool.
The potential upside of that investment is huge – while there is practically no risk, as Liverpool could even make that fee back, or more, in the event that the German fails to shine at Anfield, due to his star potential.
It would make sense for Liverpool to sign Ouedraogo and loan him back to Schalke 04 for another season – where he is playing regularly, something that is vital for a player of his age – before Arne Slot aims to get him involved later down the line.
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Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Liverpool could soon firm up their enquiry with a bid.