Everton transfer news as Schalke midfielder Assan Ouédraogo wanted, £17m-plus release clause active in 2024 – Florian Plettenberg
Everton have joined Brighton and Liverpool in the race to sign Schalke 04 midfield talent Assan Ouédraogo, according to Florian Plettenberg.
The Sky Sports Germany journalist, taking to his personal Twitter account (16 October) shares that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is monitoring the German sensation but other English clubs such as Everton and Brighton are interested.
The 17-year-old midfielder is believed to hold a release clause which becomes active in 2024 with clubs from abroad will have to pay €20m (£17.2m) to secure his signature.
Plettenberg posted on Monday evening: “Liverpool and especially Jürgen Klopp is monitoring the development of Assan Ouedraogo.
“The 17 y/o versatile midfielder from Schalke 04 has a release clause in 2024. Clubs from abroad have to pay around €20m (£17.2m).
“Next to Liverpool FC more clubs from England are interested: Everton & Brighton.”
Refreshing news
Developing young talent can be a cost-effective way for the Toffees to secure their long-term financial sustainability and it’s clear they need that after years of spending huge amounts of cash on players not fit to represent the club.
Ouédraogo appears to be a top talent and if the likes of Liverpool and Brighton, the way they are utilising their top talents right now, are keen too then he must have a high ceiling as both of their youth recruitment are usually spot on.
Already playing a consistent role for Schalke, Ouedraogo has started six of his side’s nine 2.Bundesliga games this season, even finding the back of the net against Hamburger SV.
His performances have certainly caught the attention of those around Europe and the fact that Everton have identified his talent certainly points to a refreshing change of policy at Goodison Park, especially after Kevin Thelwell’s comments recently BBC’s Everton: Nothing Will Be The Same (12 October).
A £17m release clause for an emerging young teenage talent in Germany is a decision not to be taken with hesitancy and Ouédraogo could well end up becoming one of the best of his generation.
Certainly, the Toffees will be up against the likes of Liverpool and Brighton for his signature but it will be a signal of intent to the player, his representatives and to the whole club should Thelwell make the first move.
In other Everton news, a pundit has claimed that the Toffees have a player in their squad that “every team in the world” would want.