Michael Edwards lines up €40m transfer for dream midfielder

The report claims Ouedraogo is on the club's shortlist and that Michael Edwards and his recruitment team are readying a package of €40m including bonuses in order to acquire his signature.

The young midfielder is seen as one of the emerging forces in European football.

Back when he broke onto the scene as a teenager at Schalke in the 2023/24 season, Liverpool were very keen on bringing him to Anfield.

However, at the time Anfield Watch understands that the club's advances were kindly rejected as the player preferred to continue his development in Germany.

Ultimately, he chose RB Leipzig, where Ouedraogo has showcased his exciting quality albeit very briefly.

In just 801 minutes, he has three goals and four assists for Leipzig, averaging a goal or assist every 114 minutes, which is very good for a midfielder. Now if that's not confirmation that he's ready to join Liverpool, then his debut for Germany's national team should be.

Ouedraogo made his senior international debut against Slovakia late last year, coming on for Florian Wirtz - and he wasted no time making an impact.

Within minutes, he found the net with a superb finish. It was a standout moment and an eye-catching cameo that will surely have caught the attention of Liverpool’s scouts.

There’s no doubt he’s dealing with injury issues right now, but that’s not uncommon for young players still growing into their bodies. Even Steven Gerrard experienced similar setbacks early in his career.

What can’t be questioned, though, is his potential.

At just 19, Ouedraogo is an exciting prospect who has all the tools to develop into exactly the kind of midfielder Liverpool need - not just now, but for the future. If everything clicks, he has the ceiling to become one of the very best in his position.