Michael Edwards lines up €40m transfer for dream midfielder

Liverpool could finally be edging closer to their dream midfield signing this summer.

Sporting director Richard Hughes is set to make midfield reinforcements a major focus in the upcoming transfer window, as Liverpool look to strengthen a key area of the squad.

Anfield Watch understands that the club has already drawn up an ambitious shortlist of potential targets, with a wide range of names currently being assessed.

This kind of early preparation is typical of Liverpool’s approach in the market - they prefer to move quickly and decisively, often finalising deals before the window reaches its peak. Over the coming weeks, that shortlist is expected to be refined as Hughes and his recruitment team narrow down their priorities.

One of the main reasons midfield has become such a pressing concern is the uncertainty surrounding several important players.

Contract talks with Alexis Mac Allister have reportedly stalled, raising questions about his long-term future at the club. At the same time, Curtis Jones is entering the final year of his current deal, which puts Liverpool in a delicate position.

With both situations unresolved, there is a genuine risk that Liverpool could lose key midfield options in the near future. As a result, the club is expected to pursue at least two new signings in that area, with the possibility of more depending on how things develop.

And one of those players could be a dream option.

According to the latest report from Fussball Daten Liverpool are lining up a move for RB Leipzig midfielder and German international Assan Ouedraogo this summer.

The report claims Ouedraogo is on the club's shortlist and that Michael Edwards and his recruitment team are readying a package of €40m including bonuses in order to acquire his signature.

The young midfielder is seen as one of the emerging forces in European football.

Back when he broke onto the scene as a teenager at Schalke in the 2023/24 season, Liverpool were very keen on bringing him to Anfield.

However, at the time Anfield Watch understands that the club's advances were kindly rejected as the player preferred to continue his development in Germany.

Ultimately, he chose RB Leipzig, where Ouedraogo has showcased his exciting quality albeit very briefly.

In just 801 minutes, he has three goals and four assists for Leipzig, averaging a goal or assist every 114 minutes, which is very good for a midfielder. Now if that's not confirmation that he's ready to join Liverpool, then his debut for Germany's national team should be.

Ouedraogo made his senior international debut against Slovakia late last year, coming on for Florian Wirtz - and he wasted no time making an impact.

Within minutes, he found the net with a superb finish. It was a standout moment and an eye-catching cameo that will surely have caught the attention of Liverpool’s scouts.

There’s no doubt he’s dealing with injury issues right now, but that’s not uncommon for young players still growing into their bodies. Even Steven Gerrard experienced similar setbacks early in his career.

What can’t be questioned, though, is his potential.

At just 19, Ouedraogo is an exciting prospect who has all the tools to develop into exactly the kind of midfielder Liverpool need - not just now, but for the future. If everything clicks, he has the ceiling to become one of the very best in his position.

Liverpool may have missed the chance to sign him in the past, but now the opportunity is there again - and it’s one Edwards and his team are reportedly ready to pounce one.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

👉🏻 Liverpool get GREEN light to sign Nico Schlotterbeck

👉🏻 Centre-back confirms he's ready to join Liverpool

👉🏻 Fabrizio Romano CONFIRMS belief £52m Liverpool target will agree move