Liverpool on red alert for Ouedraogo transfer amid Bayern Munich delay

Liverpool may still yet have the chance to complete a deal for Schalke wonderkid Assan Ouedraogo this summer, according to reports.

The 18-year-old is regarded as one of the brightest talents in German football despite an injury-hit 2023/24 campaign where he was limited to just 17 appearances in the second division.

Although a lack of game time hasn't slowed down any interest in his services with Liverpool among several clubs, including Manchester United, Aston Villa and Newcastle United who are all said to have made contact with the midfielder's camp.

Having said that, it had appeared that a switch to Bayern Munich was on the cards for Ouedraogo. But according to Sky Germany, negotiations have stalled in recent days and as a result, a switch to the Allianz Arena is now anything but a foregone conclusion.

In addition, the report states Bayern are yet to make fresh contact with the teenager to finalise the last remaining details of the deal they are offering and that neither new coach Vincent Kompany nor club director Max Eberl has approached the midfielder lately.

In fact, prior to Eberl's arrival, sporting director Christoph Freund had been working on the transfer, but now the former, as Freund's superior, has to sign off on the deal and finalise it, which he has yet to do.

Liverpool on red alert for Ouedraogo

This delay may just open the door for Liverpool to pounce. Despite wingers and centre-backs being the priority this summer as they prepare for the first season under new head coach Arne Slot, the club are still open to bolstering their midfield options.

With a reported release clause worth just £17m to clubs outside of Germany, signing Ouedraogo -  likened to Xabi Alonso and Michael Essien' by the Bundesliga's own website - could be a masterstroke for the Reds but it remains to be seen if Bayern iron out the final details sooner rather than later.