Assan Ouedraogo: Manchester United learn asking price for RB Leipzig ace | OneFootball

It is increasingly clear that Manchester United will need to add more quality to their midfield in 2026. The Red Devils had been hoping for a renaissance after investing over £200 million to jazz up their attack this summer.

While there have been improvements in the final third, United have struggled to control games so far. Even putting Bruno Fernandes in a pivot role hasn’t solved the issue this season.

The Premier League giants are currently 10th in the table after 12 games, already 11 points behind leaders Arsenal. Changes, therefore, are in order next year, and the midfield is likely to be at the forefront of United’s plans.

United’s midfield conundrum

Casemiro’s contract expires at the end of this season, and while he has enjoyed a spectacular resurgence of late, the Brazilian’s future remains unclear.

Manuel Ugarte hasn’t lived up to the billing and is now a peripheral figure at the Theatre of Dreams. Meanwhile, Kobbie Mainoo has struggled for game time this season, and remains heavily linked with a move away in 2026.

Midfield reinforcements, as such, remain on United’s agenda for next year and as has been the norm of late, their search could be focused on youth.

A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that the Red Devils have found their next target in emerging RB Leipzig midfielder Assan Ouedraogo. The 19 year old has gone from strength to strength this season, already registering three goals and four assists in 12 appearances for the Bundesliga giants.

Assan Ouedraogo Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

Ouedraogo is comfortable in various midfield roles and can also operate in attack if required. However, it now appears that prising him away from the Red Bull Arena won’t be a walk in the park.

Leipzig want a premium fee for Ouedraogo

According to SportBILD via Sport Witness, Leipzig are reportedly planning to demand around €100 million for Ouedraogo, who is under contract until 2029.

The German midfielder was signed from Schalke for just €10 million in the summer of 2024, and Leipzig believe he could break their current club sale record of €90 million.

The report adds that Arsenal, Barcelona and Liverpool have recently scouted the player, while United and Chelsea are also in the race.

The developments are not ideal for the Red Devils, who will now have to break the bank if they wish to secure the player’s signature.

Final Thoughts

United are expected to invest heavily in midfield in 2026, with Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton among the players on their radar.

All three are Premier League-proven and are expected to cost a small fortune. Should the Red Devils sign one or more of them, they may not have the funds to secure Ouedraogo.

The teenager may be highly rated in Bundesliga, but Leipzig’s asking price could also be too steep for United, especially as he may need time to settle in the Premier League.

Feature image Alexander Hassenstein via Getty Images

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The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social