FC Schalke starlet watched by Manchester City officials amid rivalled Premier League interest | OneFootball

Manchester City are reportedly amongst the Premier League clubs to have sent scouts to watch FC Schalke teenager Assan Ouédraogo.

The 17-year-old midfielder has emerged as the latest European talent to be eyed by Manchester City officials, with the City Football Group network continuing to target additions globally ahead of the summer transfer window.

Etihad chiefs have made a series of recent young signings from South America, however Germany has proved a hotbed for Pep Guardiola in recent years, with the likes of Erling Haaland, Manuel Akanji, Stefan Ortega and Josko Gvardiol all moving to east Manchester from the Bundesliga.

Manchester City and FC Schalke have also previously conducted transfer business, with Leroy Sane famously moving to the Etihad Stadium for £37 million in 2016, with the German international winning the prestigious PFA Young Player of the Year award in 2018.

The current Bayern Munich forward made 135 appearances for the Sky Blues, scoring 37 goals and winning seven trophies, including two Premier League titles.

Manchester City could be hoping for similar success for teenager Assan Ouédraogo, with the treble-winners amongst a trio of Premier League clubs to have been linked with a potential move for the Schalke midfielder.

The 2006-born starlet has been directly involved in four goals in 15 Bundesliga 2 appearances so far this season, with the 17-year-old having also faced a four-month absence due to injury during the 2023/24 campaign.

Ouédraogo, who is reportedly valued at €8 million, has been watched by officials of Manchester City, Newcastle United and Manchester United, according to a Fussball News report relayed by Sport Witness.

All three English clubs ‘wanted to take a closer look’ at the teenager, with Newcastle having been joined by Manchester City in the chase for the midfielder.

Ouédraogo is contracted at Schalke until 2027, however the club’s financial situation could lead to the facilitation of a move away from the Veltins-Arena.