Who is Assan Ouedraogo? Liverpool linked with transfer after Jurgen Klopp's glowing verdict
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Liverpool has been linked with a move for RB Leipzig midfielder Assan Ouedraogo, with the 20-year-old having made a big impact in the Bundesliga and on Jurgen KloppAssan Ouedraogo has been linked with a move to Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool will clearly need to make add some fresh blood to its squad this summer after what has been a dismal season, and it may well look to a familiar source for a new option in midfield.The Reds are still on course to qualify for next season’s Champions League, but Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea means they could be set for a nervy last couple of games as the pressure increases on Arne Slot.The Liverpool boss saw more of the same problems plaguing his side against the Blues, and he may well look to bolster his options in the middle of the park, with reports in Germany suggesting the Reds may have identified their target.READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news and rumors today LIVE: Maghnes Akliouche bid, Ouedraogo interest, Gordon talksREAD MORE: How many points Liverpool needs for Champions League qualification after Chelsea setbackAccording to BILD, Liverpool is eyeing up RB Leipzig midfielder Assan Ouedraogo in a potential double deal that could also see winger Yan Diomande making the move to Anfield.Ouedraogo has been linked with the Reds previously, and the club has done well when buying from Leipzig in the past, having also signed Dominik Szoboszlai and Ibrahima Konate from the same club.Having only just turned 20, Ouedraogo would be viewed as a long-term project, although there is already plenty of evidence to suggest he could be an exciting prospect should Liverpool sign him.Who is Assan Ouedraogo?Having started out at TuS Union 09 Mulheim, Ouedraogo joined Schalke’s academy in 2014. He would spend nine years coming through the ranks there before breaking into the club’s first team at the start of the 2023/24 season at the age of just 17.He started seven of Schalke’s first 11 Bundesliga 2 games that season, and even scored on his debut in a 5-3 defeat to Hamburg.
In doing so, he broke Julian Draxler’s record as the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer, and well as becoming its youngest player in its history.Injuries slowed his progression during the remainder of the season, but he did enough to convince Leipzig on his signing in the summer of 2024.Assan Ouedraogo scored on his senior international debut for Germany in November(Image: Boris Streubel - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)Further injury problems meant he made just five substitute appearances during his first season with Leipzig, but he has managed to enhance his reputation this season with three goals and four assists in 19 appearances.And he has already made quite the impact on the international scene for Germany, having scored the winning penalty in the shootout against France in the European U17 Championship in 2023 before going on to play a part in his country’s triumph at the U17 World Cup later that same year.He has since gone on to earn a senior call-up to Julian Nagelsmann’s side, scoring on his debut in a 6-0 win over Slovakia back in November.Get LFC's 2025/26 season home and away kitsThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreFrom $100LFC.comSee the dealLiverpool's home and away strips for the 2025/26 season are the first in their new partnership with adidas.Fans can order jerseys in the US at Fanatics.com or via the LFC Online Store in both the US and across the world.The Bundesliga’s official site describes Ouedraogo as possessing “remarkable technical ability, a superb eye for a pass and a keen nose for goal,” while comparing him to Bayer Leverkusen’s Malik Tillman.What’s more, he has the approval of legendary Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who picked Ouedraogo out as one of the players in the Red Bull network to keep an eye on.“I don’t think you will have heard of him, but Assan Ouedraogo, he plays for Leipzig and he made a massive impression,” Klopp said during an appearance on That Peter Crouch Podcast in April.“Very young, 19-year-old midfielder, very tall, really good dribbler, stuff like that, good sense for space and the goal.
Injured right now, but if he can play the rest of the season he could be a good choice.”