Aston Villa eye Schalke gem Assan Ouedraogo as £12m clause update emerges
Aston Villa are targeting a move for Schalke talent Assan Ouedraogo but face plenty of competition this summer, according to Florian Plettenberg.
The Sky Sports journalist reported [1 June] that Villa will have to battle Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United for the 18-year-old’s signature, with some already presenting plans.
It is understood, however, that the player is holding out for a move to Bayern Munich, though the Bundesliga champions are yet to make a decision.
Plettenberg later revealed that Ouedraogo has a £12million release clause in his current contract, which must be triggered by the middle of June.
Aston Villa target Schalke’s Assan Ouedraogo
The young centre-midfielder, who is also capable of deputising on either flank, is an extremely exciting prospect playing his football in Bundesliga 2.
Despite sustaining a ligament tear and missing several matches during the 2023/24 campaign, he still managed to notch three goals and two assists in 17 league matches, only starting eight of them.
Considering that Unai Emery’s team will be playing Champions League football next season, and the current squad was littered with injuries in the last campaign, squad depth must be addressed this season.
The midfield is one of the strongest areas, especially once Boubacar Kamara returns from injury, with Douglas Luiz, Youri Tielemans and John McGinn all capable of deputising in the middle.
With those players in the team, Ouedraogo will quickly learn the pace of the Premier League and, hopefully, develop into the player that many already expect him to.
Having only been promoted to the Schalke first team this season, it could be an extremely risky move, especially if the Villans are to trigger the £12million release clause.
However, Emery has proven his eagerness to get youngsters from the academy involved, with Omari Kellyman, Kaine Kesler-Hayden and Tim Iroegbunam being given opportunities in recent weeks.
In other Aston Villa news, the club have confirmed a club-record deal worth millions.
For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.