Chelsea and Manchester United keen on young Leipzig star who scored on his Germany debut

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Chelsea and Manchester United are among the clubs keen on RB Leipzig midfielder Assan Ouedraogo. The 19-year-old has enjoyed a breakout campaign, registering three goals and three assists in 12 matches for Leipzig.

He also drew headlines when he scored less than two minutes into his senior Germany debut. The youngster has caught the eye of several top clubs who are now firming up their interest, according to Sky Sports Germany.

Sky adds that Ouedraogo doesn’t have a release clause in his deal, which is set to expire in 2029, meaning only a large fee would prize the player out of Leipzig. However, a January deal looks unlikely, with the player reportedly focused on qualifying for the Champions League with Leipzig and going to this summer’s World Cup with Germany.

Ouedraogo is considered one of Germany’s hottest prospects, having joined Leipzig from Schalke in the summer of 2024. After missing nearly all of last season with long-term knee and thigh injuries, he is living up to his billing with his performances this time around.

He has appeared in each of Leipzig’s Bundesliga matches so far this season.

Ouedraogo plays mainly as a No.10 but can play anywhere in midfield or across the front line. United are believed to be in the market for midfielders amid uncertainty surrounding the futures of Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, and Kobbie Mainoo.

Chelsea are in search of cover for Cole Palmer who suffers from injury niggles this season, as well as preferred centre midfield pairing Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. Romeo Lavia has had consistent injury problems as well, leaving only young Brazilian Andrey Santos and new signing Facundo Buonanotte to deputize at times.

Neither have staked their claim as long term solutions, meaning Blues boss Enzo Maresca could look to reshuffle the pack. Ouedraogo’s fee could rise well beyond the 50 million euro mark if the player achieves his goal of playing at this summer’s World Cup.

Nadji is a football writer with over 10 years of experience covering the Premier League. His work has been featured on Football Fancast, Arsenal-Mania, and Arsenal.com, where he has built a reputation for delivering sharp analysis, engaging storytelling, and in-depth coverage of the game.