Newcastle ‘pushing’ for signing in last few hours – Magpies need to rush as rival making firm efforts

Two months ago, we covered claims from Germany that Newcastle United are ‘hot’ for Assan Ouédraogo.

On May 2nd, Fussball News stated the Magpies had sent a scout to take a closer look at the Schalke player.

Earlier this month, Sky Deutschland reported Eddie Howe’s side had made contact to sign him in the summer window. It was also stated the deal would cost Newcastle around £12m.

Newcastle are one of the clubs ‘pushing’ to secure a deal for the 18-year-old in the last few hours, according to Sky journalist Florian Plettenberg. He took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to say the player has instead decided to join RB Leipzig.

Plettenberg adds that the Bundesliga side are sorting out the last details of the deal with Schalke and Ouédraogo. If the transfer goes through, he will sign a contract until 2029.

Newcastle, Chelsea, Eintracht Frankfurt and other clubs tried to get ahead of Leipzig in the ‘last hours’.

They all are unlikely to be successful, barring any last-minute surprises, as Plettenberg says Leipzig are close to completing the transfer by exercising his €10m release clause.

Ouédraogo has made 17 appearances for Schalke since making his first team debut last year.