Chelsea & Man Utd in Race for In-Form Bundesliga Star as RB Leipzig Prepare Massive Transfer Fee Request

In Germany, young talent never stays hidden for long — but every now and then, a player explodes so quickly that even European giants are caught scrambling to keep up. Assan Ouedraogo has done exactly that. The 19-year-old midfielder has delivered one of the most remarkable breakthrough weeks of the Bundesliga season, scoring for Germany on his senior debut and then netting the match-winner for RB Leipzig days later.

And now? Chelsea and Manchester United are circling. Closely.

But with no release clause in place and a long-term contract running until 2029, Leipzig hold the cards — and they’re prepared to demand a massive transfer fee to even consider letting their new midfield jewel go.

Over the past few months, the Premier League giants have intensified their scouting. After this week, their interest has turned into something far more concrete. Still, Leipzig’s stance remains unwavering: only an extraordinary offer will force them to the negotiating table.

Premier League Giants Target Leipzig’s Breakout Star

There are breakout seasons, and then there are breakout moments that feel like the start of something big. For Ouedraogo, the past week has been exactly that.

First came his Germany debut — a moment he had dreamt of since childhood — and he made the most of it by scoring less than two minutes after stepping onto the pitch. Then, returning to Bundesliga action, he produced the only goal in a narrow but vital 1–0 win against Werder Bremen.

What followed was predictable but still notable: the phones of agents and scouts across Europe started buzzing.

According to Sky Sport, Chelsea and Manchester United have emerged as the leading contenders. Their scouts have watched him regularly this season, impressed by how rapidly his game has grown — stronger physically, more composed tactically, and increasingly decisive in the final third.

With three goals and four assists in just 12 matches across all competitions, Ouedraogo has positioned himself as one of Europe’s most-watched young midfielders. The teenager joined Leipzig from Schalke in 2024, and the club wasted no time securing him on a contract until 2029. Crucially, there is no release clause. That alone changes the dynamics of the chase.

Leipzig will dictate the fee. And it will not be friendly.

Leipzig’s Midfield Gem Turns Into a Transfer-Market Favorite

RB Leipzig v SV Werder Bremen – Bundesliga

RB Leipzig are no strangers to developing young talent — nor to losing it. But even by their standards, Ouedraogo’s rise has felt significant.

After a turbulent summer and a rough opening stretch under Ole Werner — including a demoralising 6–0 defeat to Bayern Munich — Leipzig have stabilised, and Ouedraogo has been central to that improvement. He has taken advantage of every opportunity, showing resilience after early-season injury concerns and ignoring the transfer noise that surrounded him as early as last season.

Internally, Leipzig’s coaching staff reportedly consider him one of their most valuable long-term assets. And it’s not hard to see why: he’s the kind of midfielder a coach can build a system around — athletic, fearless on the ball, and already comfortable dictating tempo at the highest level.

Ouedraogo, for his part, has tried to stay grounded. After scoring the winner against Bremen, he told DAZN:

“I try to play my game and things are going well at the moment, but I’m having some luck and will take that too.”

Leipzig’s midfield structure — strengthened by Christoph Baumgartner’s resurgence and Werner’s tactical tweaks — has given the teenager the perfect environment to flourish. With Champions League qualification a realistic objective, Leipzig would like him to remain at least one more season.

But the noise from England is getting harder to ignore.

Ouedraogo Reflects on His Rise After Decisive Performances

Despite all the hype, Ouedraogo has kept his comments modest and honest — another sign of his maturity at such a young age.

After the Bremen match, he smiled as he downplayed his winning goal:

“I’ve scored two better ones… One in the U-19 European Championship with a drop kick into the corner, and one in the U-15 where I scored directly off the kick-off. This one was a bit lucky.”

Lucky or not, his recent performances have put him firmly in the spotlight.

“It’s been a perfect week,” he added. “Two goals. Two wins. Two clean sheets. It doesn’t get any better than this.”

But behind the modesty is a genuine competitive hunger. He wants to dominate games. He wants responsibility. And he wants to grow fast — something that will keep both Chelsea and United very interested.

Why Chelsea and Manchester United Want Him — And Why Leipzig Won’t Let Go Easily

For Manchester United, rebuilding the midfield is a priority heading into the next transfer cycle. The club wants a player who can operate deep, progress play, and impose physicality — someone who fits a modern, high-intensity style. Ouedraogo ticks those boxes.

Chelsea, meanwhile, continue their aggressive recruitment of elite under-21 talents. Their long-term model revolves around securing young superstars before they become too expensive or impossible to sign. In that sense, Ouedraogo fits the blueprint perfectly.

But unlike many of Chelsea’s recent targets, this one comes with complications.

Leipzig never sell cheaply.
Leipzig don’t need the money.
And Leipzig won’t be pressured.

With no release clause, the club can simply name their price — and wait.

The Road Toward the 2026 World Cup

Assan Ouedraogo Leipzig

Beyond the club game, there is another factor driving Ouedraogo: Germany’s national team. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, he knows consistent top-level minutes are essential. Staying at Leipzig gives him guaranteed playing time. A Premier League move could accelerate his growth — or stunt it if handled poorly.

It’s a delicate balance for a teenager who has already shown he understands how quickly momentum can change.

For now, Ouedraogo remains focused on Leipzig’s Champions League push, fully aware that every performance from now until May will be watched closely by scouts from England’s biggest clubs.

Chelsea and United, meanwhile, will continue preparing for what could become one of the defining transfer battles of the summer window.

A Transfer Saga Brewing — And a Star Who Knows Exactly What He Wants

The race for Ouedraogo has only just begun, but the shape of the story is already clear: two Premier League giants, one Bundesliga wonderkid, and a club in Leipzig that holds every advantage at the negotiation table.

Whether he moves in 2025 or stays another year, the teenager has already announced himself as one of Europe’s most exciting young midfielders. And if the past week is any indication, this is only the beginning.

For Chelsea.
For Manchester United.
For Leipzig.
And most of all, for Assan Ouedraogo — a talent rising faster than anyone expected.