Bayern Munich have already started planning for the next summer transfer window. The Bavarian club has the complete structure in place to think about the future, as Christoph Freund started in the sporting director role at the start of September. Freund’s first crucial piece of business at Bayern could be signing a young midfielder from Schalke.
Die Roten have a concrete interest in Schalke’s Assan Ouedraogo. The 17-year-old midfielder is attracting interest from several clubs in Europe with his eye-catching performances for Schalke in the second division. Ouedraogo reportedly has a release clause in his contract, which can be activated next summer.
According to the latest update from Sky Sports in Germany, Bayern are set to hold talks with Ouedraogo to discuss the project at the club and their plans for him. The Bavarian club will have to pay a fee between €9 to 12 million for Ouedraogo. If the youngster plays for Germany’s senior team before the activation of the release clause, Die Roten will have to pay €20 million.
Christoph Freund is leading the negotiations for Ouedraogo. He is expected to hold talks with the midfielder’s representatives in the coming months. Apart from Die Roten, Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig are other Bundesliga clubs showing interest in the young German midfielder.
Liverpool, AC Milan, Brighton, Everton, Real Betis, and Sevilla are the European clubs showing interest in Ouegraogo. Bayern will have to move swiftly and convince the youngster that moving to Bavaria will be the right step for him in his career.
Ouedraogo has played ten games in the second division this season, scoring one goal for Schalke. He has largely operated in the attacking midfield role, but he can play on the flank and central midfield positions. With his quick feet and dribbling, Ouedraogo can cause problems for the opposition in the final third. (Stats courtesy: Transfermarkt)
The youngster needs consistent playing time at this stage of his career. He may not get it straightaway at Bayern, but the likes of Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies have shown that top-quality talent can force their way into first-team plans. A steady and clear path into the first team will certainly convince Ouedraogo to join Die Roten.
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Apart from Ouedraogo, Bayern have been linked with several young midfielders in the past few weeks. Valencia’s Javi Guerro and Palmeiras midfielder Luis Guilherme are being scouted by the Bavarian club. Freund was successful at bringing the best young talent at RB Salzburg, so it is not a surprise to see him help Die Roten to get the best talents from across the club.