RB Leipzig signs Ouédraogo from Schalke 04

RB Leipzig have signed Schalke's top talent Assan Ouédraogo on a long-term contract. The Bundesliga club from Saxony made the announcement on Thursday. The 18-year-old will receive a contract until the end of June 2029 and will reportedly cost ten million euros. Ouédraogo is Leipzig's second summer transfer after Belgian goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt.

Ouédraogo was actually tied to FC Schalke 04 until 2027. However, the U17 World and European Champion could be bought out of his contract due to a clause valid until mid-June.

The talented midfielder only played 17 second division games for Schalke last season due to injuries. Ouédraogo originally wanted to move to FC Bayern Munich, but the transfer fell through at the beginning of the month. The record champions were not willing to put up with the overall financial package.

"With the signing of Assan Ouédraogo, we were able to bring an absolutely exceptional talent to RB Leipzig. Assan has chosen us and our path - despite several offers from other top clubs in the Bundesliga and Europe," said Leipzig's sporting director Rouven Schröder.

Ouédraogo will be part of Leipzig's professional squad from July. However, it cannot be ruled out that the midfielder will be loaned out again if RB's level with the Champions League and Bundesliga top flight is still considered too high. A loan to sister club Salzburg has already been mooted for this scenario.