Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Liverpool ‘miss out’ on wonderkid after €10m agreement

Schalke 04 midfielder Assan Ouedraogo is set to sign for RB Leipzig this summer after the Bundesliga side triggered his €10m release clause. At Leipzig, Ouedraogo will be the latest signing to come through the famed Red Bull talent system - although it isn’t yet known if he will immediately move to his new club or spend time back on-loan at Schalke next campaign. That decision will likely be made towards the end of pre-season, giving him a chance to impress Marco Rose.

Despite only turning 18 last month, Ouedraogo has impressed in the first-team in Gelsenkirchen and made 17 Bundesliga 2 appearances last season, registering three goals and two assists in that time. His form, and relatively low release clause, had attracted the attention of numerous Premier League clubs with Newcastle United among those credited with an interest in the teenager.

Chelsea, Aston Villa and Liverpool had also been linked with a move for Ouedraogo, but have seemingly been beaten by Leipzig for his signature. Bayern Munich, under new boss Vincent Kompany had also been linked with a move for the midfielder.

Leipzig, who finished 4th in the Bundesliga and will play Champions League football next season, have recently been boosted by Benjamin Sesko’s decision to extend his stay at the club amid great interest from the Premier League. Arsenal were reportedly one of the clubs looking to sign the Slovenian striker this summer, but will instead have to turn their attentions elsewhere after it was revealed that the 21-year-old will remain at the club this summer.