Manchester United are considering a move for Schalke 04’s Assan Ouedraogo. The Red Devils are looking to reinvent their midfield and Ouedraogo could be another addition at Old Trafford.
The Manchester Reds ended the Premier League campaign horribly finishing 8th with 60 points. Additionally, the Red Devils recorded their worst ever Premier League finish. Moreover, Ten Hag and his men would go on to concede a staggering 58 goals finishing with a -1 goal difference.
However, the Red Devils manage to end the season on a positive note with an unlikeliest of win against Manchester City in the FA Cup Final at Wembley. Also, the Red Devils were able to secure a Europa League spot ahead of Chelsea.
Who is Assan Ouedraogo?
Ouedraogo is a German central midfielder who plays for Schalke 04. The 18-year old found his footballing roots in TuS Union 09 Mulheim’s academy in 2011.
Subsequently, after 3 fulfilling years, Ouedraogo made a move to Schalke 04 as a young prodigy in 2014. Thereafter, the midfielder was promoted to the senior squad in 2023. Ouedraogo became Schalke’s youngest ever goal scorer in his first start beating Julian Draxler’s record. Additionally, the 18-year old would also become Schalke’s youngest ever player to make an appearance in a competitive game.
Ouedraogo started playing for the German National Team since 2021 after becoming a part of the U16 squad. The German would go on to lift the UEFA European Under-17 Championship along with the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2023. Consequently, Ouedraogo won the U17 Bronze Fritz Walter Medal in 2023.
Moreover, the midfielder made 17 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga whilst scoring 3 goals for Schalke in the 2023-24 campaign. The 18-year old is an ambidextrous player and can play as a box-to-box midfielder.
Additionally, Ouedraogo is good on the ball and quick with his feet. His mentality facilitates creative attacking football and he has a good finishing touch.
Manchester United can sign Assan Ouedraogo for a reduced fee!
Apart from Manchester United, RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt remain interested to sign Assan Ouedraogo from Schalke. Moreover, Schalke have an asking price of around £8.5 million for the 18-year old midfielder.
However, despite being impressive in his debut campaign, Ouedraogo endured reduced gametime. Especially, due to his struggle with injuries. The 18-year old was soaring and becoming a key player for Schalke.
Although, the midfielder was sidelined due to a hamstring issue in November. He would also suffer an ankle injury that would keep Ouedraogo out of action until March. Unfortunately, the midfielder would again be ruled out due to an adductor concern and would go on to eventually miss the final game of the season due to an ankle problem.
Undoubtedly, Ouedraogo was impressive this season. Meanwhile, the midfielder would also go on to miss 20 games due to injuries. The Red Devils will be looking to take advantage of the situation and could lure away the 18-year old for a reduced fee at the back of an injury-ridden campaign.
Should Manchester United buy Ouedraogo?
The Red Devils are keen to reinvent themselves under INEOS. Almost the entire squad except 4 players could be sold for the right amount in this transfer window.
Quality midfield players like Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen could be leaving the Old Trafford. Casemiro could has interest from Saudi. Moreover, Bayern are keen to secure Bruno Fernandes. Additionally, Christian Eriksen may leave for a proper offer.
Ouedraogo could be an economically viable replacement for the Red Devils. The 18-year old is young and could fit INEOS’ gameplan. The central midfielder would be an impressive addition to the United roster. Especially, if they manage to sign him on a reduced fee.
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