Club fears Liverpool will win €20 million race to sign astonishing 17-year-old talent

After reports in October revealed Liverpool were in talks with the agents of 17-year-old Schalke revelation, Assan Ouédraogo, it now appears as though they are strongly placed to win the race for his signature.

Calciomercato published a report on the exciting young player on Sunday, stating that it's unlikely that a player of his talent will remain at the Gelsenkirchen-based club.

A January transfer will not happen as the player wants to spend at least one full season with Schalke, ruling out a move in January despite rumours it might happen.

He is expected to leave the club in the summer of 2024 and AC Milan fear that he will close a deal with Liverpool and two other clubs instead.

With Calciomercato reporting that RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich and Liverpool "represent the real threats" to the Rossoneri's chances of signing Ouédraogo.

Liverpool have already held talks with the player's agent

In October, reliable German journalist Florian Plettenberg reported that Liverpool were speaking to Ouédraogo's agents to discuss a 2024 move to Anfield.

Reporting via his Twitter account, Plettenberg revealed: “Eintracht Frankfurt has entered the race for Assan Ouédraogo.

“Leipzig, Bayern, Milan, Frankfurt, Liverpool, Napoli … His management in several talks now. BVB [Dortmund] no chance.”

Whoever signs Ouédraogo will be signing a truly exciting player and could prove to be a bargain. His release clause is set at €20 million (£17.4m) and with his contract set to expire in 2027, the player has the power to leave if the clause is triggered.

Assan Ouédraogo is an astonishing talent and is welcome at Liverpool

Liverpool have a reputation for being incredible at fostering young talent into the best version of themselves. It's part of the club's ethos but is also backed by Jurgen Klopp, who is also known for creating an environment in which youth stars can flourish.

Ouédraogo is quite a player, standing at 1.91m (6ft3), and has the talent to glide past players while being quite good at winning the ball back as well.

According to Fbrefs, based on the limited data from his fledgling career, he ranks in the 99th percentile for progressive carries which means he carried the ball at least 10 yards towards the opposition's goal. Per 90, he does this 3.51 times.

This would be music to Jurgen Klopp's ears as his midfielders are often required to bomb forward, with Ryan Gravenberch thriving with this responsibility in his short time at the club so far. The Dutchman has 2.51 progressive carries per 90 but he is also doing this in a far more competitive league.

Ouédraogo is an astonishing player for his age and if he can continue developing at the rate he is, Liverpool paying £17.4 million could be considered a bargain in the future.

Further updates on Assan Ouedraogo to Liverpool will be covered here on Anfield Central.