Liverpool’s search for a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah appears to be gathering pace.
According to TEAMtalk, the Reds have added Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh to their shortlist and are preparing an opening proposal for the 21-year-old after identifying him as an alternative to RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande.
The report claims Brighton would demand between £70 million and £80 million, using Anthony Gordon’s reported move from Newcastle United to Barcelona as the benchmark for Minteh’s valuation.
A Rising Premier League Talent
Minteh enjoyed an encouraging first full Premier League season, scoring four goals and providing three assists in 34 appearances.
While those numbers may not immediately jump off the page, they only tell part of the story.
The Gambian international has developed a reputation as an exciting, direct winger who is capable of unsettling defenders with his pace and willingness to attack one-on-one.
At just 21 years old, he still has significant room for development.
Why Liverpool Like Him
It is easy to understand why Liverpool are reportedly interested.
Minteh possesses many of the qualities the club appear to be targeting this summer:
● Explosive pace.
● Direct dribbling.
● High work rate.
● Ability to press aggressively.
● Versatility across the front line.
● Considerable long-term potential.
Those attributes fit the profile of the energetic attackers Andoni Iraola has often relied upon throughout his coaching career.
An Alternative to Yan Diomande?
The report suggests Liverpool have identified Minteh as an alternative to Yan Diomande.
That could prove significant.
Diomande’s reported valuation has been viewed by many as prohibitively expensive, and Liverpool may ultimately decide that Minteh represents a more realistic option if negotiations for other targets become too complicated.
Recruitment at the highest level is rarely about one player.
Elite clubs almost always prepare multiple options for every position.
Is £70–80 Million Too Much?
The biggest talking point is likely to be Brighton’s reported asking price.
£70 million to £80 million represents a huge investment for a player who is still developing.
Brighton have earned a reputation for negotiating strongly and rarely allowing key players to leave below their valuation.
Whether Liverpool would be prepared to meet that figure remains uncertain.
The Reds have historically remained disciplined in the transfer market, even when pursuing players they admire.
The Search Goes On
Replacing Mohamed Salah was never going to be straightforward.
Few players in world football can replicate his goals, assists and consistency.
Liverpool’s approach therefore appears to be focused on identifying players with the potential to become elite rather than trying to find another Salah immediately.
Minteh certainly fits that description.
Young.
Dynamic.
Premier League proven.
And still improving.
One to Watch
At this stage, TEAMtalk reports that Liverpool are preparing an opening proposal rather than finalising a deal.
With several attacking targets still under consideration, the coming weeks will reveal whether Minteh becomes Liverpool’s primary focus or remains one option among several.
One thing is clear.
The search for Liverpool’s next great right-sided attacker is far from over.
Source: TEAMtalk.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
Leave a Reply