Chelsea & Man City among suitors of Schalke gem Assan Ouedraogo
- Ouedraogo has been a regular starter in the German second tier this season
- 17-year-old midfielder scored in his debut for Schalke
- He has already agreed a senior contract until 2027
17-year-old Schalke midfielder Assan Ouedraogo has attracted plenty of interest from a number of Premier League sides, 90min understands.
The teenage midfielder became the youngest player in Schalke history when he made his debut in the 2. Bundesliga this season, and he even broke the team's scoring record as he marked his first outing with a goal.
Since then, Ouedraogo has been a permanent fixture in Schalke's squad and 90min understands that his progress has piqued the interest of a number of top sides across Europe.
In the Premier League, Ouedraogo has been followed by heavyweights like Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Newcastle United, although Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United are all known admirers as well.
Schalke have incredibly high hopes for Ouedraogo and have already secured his long-term future by agreeing a three-year contract which will be signed when the midfielder turns 18 in May 2024.
However, the German side are still facing an uphill battle to keep hold of Ouedraogo. Schalke are facing major financial woes which contributed to their initial relegation from the Bundesliga in 2021. They returned to the top flight at the first time of asking, only to drop back to the second tier again last season.
A tough start to the current campaign has left Schalke towards the bottom of the 2. Bundesliga but Ouedraogo has been a rare positive and, aside from the suitors from England, has also generated plenty of excitement in mainland Europe.
Bayer Leverkusen are understood to be keen on a move for Ouedraogo, while Spanish pair Atletico Madrid and Valencia have followed his progress alongside French trio Lens, Marseille and Nice.
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