Xabi Alonso could replace Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager as contract clause emerges
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is reportedly monitoring Everton target Assan Ouedraogo, The 17-year-old midfielder is currently plying his trade for Schalke and could be available for less than £20million, despite the face he penned fresh terms in Germany earlier this year.
Liverpool endured a dismal season last time around as they failed to qualify for the Champions League after finishing fifth in the Premier League. Their midfield proved to be a problem area and, following the conclusion of the campaign, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho both headed to Saudi Arabia.
The Reds bolstered their options in the middle of the pitch as they snapped up Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton, Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig, Wataru Endo from Stuttgart and Ryan Gravenberch from Bayern Munich.
But it appears the Merseysiders are now after a younger midfielder. According to Sky Sports Germany, Klopp is keeping an eye on Ouedraogo’s development. The player has a release clause that is due to kick in next summer, with clubs from abroad able to get their hands on him for around £17m. But Liverpool face competition for the teenager’s signature as Everton and Brighton are also interested in landing him.
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Ouedraogo came through the Schalke academy and made his debut for the first team in July as his team lost 5-3 to Hamburger in their opening Bundesliga 2 encounter. The youngster capped his maiden appearance with a goal and has gone on to start six of his team’s first nine league matches this term.
Schalke were relegated to Germany’s second division at the end of last season after finishing second bottom of the Bundesliga. But they have endured a woeful start to the campaign and have fallen to 16th after winning just twice.
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Despite his side’s recent struggles, Ouedraogo has been tipped to have a big future at the top of the game. The player, who doesn’t turn 18 until next May, has already been capped 15 times by Germany under-17s and was part of the team that reached the final of the European Under-17 Championship in the summer.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have shaken off their poor season and have returned to their top form since this campaign got underway. The Reds are fourth in the Premier League table after winning five of their first eight matches and have also clinched victory in their opening two Europa League games. The Reds are set to return to action on Saturday when they host Everton in the Merseyside derby.
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