Manchester United scout 17-year-old German wonderkid who will ‘definitely’ move this summer

Manchester United are keeping their eyes peeled for talented youngsters across Europe and scouts have travelled to Germany to watch one upcoming star.

In recent years, the Reds have made several strides forward with their youth development, partly through the progression of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo in the first team.

A double-winning campaign for the Under-18s this term has also been a standout for the academy setup.

Importantly, the Reds have been scouting well – particularly in England, due to rule changes after the United Kingdom left the European Union – and they have recently been watching Schalke midfielder Assan Ouédraogo.

The 17-year-old has had an injury-interrupted season but has still made 15 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga, registering two goals and two assists.

He recently returned to action and scored against Hannover in his first start since injury. Many clubs are monitoring his situation.

United send scouts to watch Ouédraogo

According to Sky Germany, Ouédraogo will ‘definitely leave’ in the summer transfer window. However, a direct loan back to Schalke cannot be ruled out after his development was somewhat halted this season.

RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich currently have the best chances of winning the race for the teenager, with VfB Stuttgart, Werder Bremen, and TSG Hoffenheim also interested from Germany.

The report added that Manchester United have also scouted Ouédraogo, attending their latest game against Düsseldorf. Atalanta are another club keen to sign the midfielder.

Unlikely, but interesting link

It appears that United would face stern competition from Germany for the signature of Ouédraogo; however, it is still an interesting link.

Yet, he would not go into the system at Carrington after playing regular first-team football in Germany. As the report mentioned, a loan could be a likely situation.

In recent months, United have been regularly linked with some of the best English talent, such as Chris Rigg, but it would be interesting if they were to act on their interest in the young German midfielder.