As ever, Liverpool will be looking for some bargains in the summer transfer window.
The Reds have plenty of cash to burn, but always want to make sure on they’re on the right side of the Premier League’s financial rules.
As a result, Liverpool owners FSG often shy away from making big money purchases, instead trying to extract as much value as possible.
In a market where prices are largely out of control, that can be difficult. There are clubs who will pay for more than Liverpool would dream of for certain players and this can leave the Anfield side at a disadvantage.
Nevertheless, it does mean that the Reds can be more attuned to potential bargains up for grabs. And as Arne Slot prepares to take office, it looks like one could be coming his way.
Liverpool looking for Assan Ouedraogo bargain
Whether Liverpool sign a midfielder or not this summer could largely hinge on the funds that are available.
The Reds do have other priorities for adding to Slot’s squad. A new centre-back feels like the most pressing issue, with an attacking addition also on the agenda.
Midfield is an area most supporters would still agree needs looking at, although we’d suggest that a big signing is not in the cards.
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Instead, they could look to bring in a young player on the cheap. Schalke’s Assan Ouedraogo has been linked with Liverpool for months, with his father recently confirming that Ouedraogo has been speaking to clubs from the Premier League.
Although Ouedraogo senior did not go as far as naming these clubs, German outlet BILD now have.
They claim that both Liverpool and Manchester United have ‘made a specific enquiry’ about signing the 18-year-old this summer.
Even better news for the Reds could be that Schalke will not be able to demand much of a fee for Ouedraogo. It’s claimed that either English side could snap the teenager up for as little as £8.5m.
Why Liverpool want Assan Ouedraogo
Ouedraogo has been a breakout star in a really difficult season for Schalke. Mired in the Bundesliga 2, the Royal Blues could only finish in 10th position.
Cash-strapped and longing for better days, Ouedraogo has at least been a ray of hope for them.
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Only injury prevent the youngster from making more than the 17 appearances he eventually managed. Ouedraogo didn’t manage a single game for Schalke between October 28th and March 17th.
Despite that, his talent has been obvious. Bundesliga.com describe the Germany U17 international as being an ‘explosive’ midfielder who has shades of former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.
Although the Reds missed out on a reunion with Alonso himself this summer, picking up a player in his ilk for under £9m would be a real success.