Liverpool’s pursuit of Yankuba Minteh appears to have taken another important step.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Minteh has already agreed personal terms with Liverpool and wants to move to Anfield.
The only major obstacle now is reaching an agreement with Brighton over the transfer fee.
And that could be the difficult part.
Minteh wants Liverpool
The most encouraging part of this update is the player’s stance.
Minteh reportedly wants the move.
Personal terms have already been agreed, meaning Liverpool have seemingly convinced the 22-year-old that Anfield is where he wants to continue his career.
That puts the Reds in a strong position from the player’s side.
But unfortunately, that’s only half the battle.
Liverpool still have to convince Brighton.
Brighton are holding firm
Brighton have already rejected Liverpool’s previous offers for Minteh, with the Seagulls understood to be demanding a substantial fee.
Liverpool clearly believe the winger is worth pursuing.
They wouldn’t have continued negotiations otherwise.
But the Reds also don’t want to simply pay whatever Brighton ask.
And that has been one of the recurring themes of Liverpool’s transfer window.
The player wants the move.
Liverpool want the player.
Now the clubs have to agree on the money.
Why Liverpool want Minteh
It’s easy to understand why Iraola would want him.
Minteh is exactly the sort of explosive winger Liverpool need.
He’s quick.
He’s direct.
He attacks defenders.
And he’s capable of carrying the ball at speed.
That’s particularly important for Liverpool because Alexander Isak needs service.
Having another winger capable of beating his man and delivering the ball into dangerous areas could make a huge difference.
It would also give Liverpool another player capable of stretching defences.
Iraola has already made his position clear
Andoni Iraola admitted in his latest press conference that Liverpool don’t have enough players who are specialists in the wide positions.
That makes this pursuit even more significant.
Liverpool aren’t simply trying to sign Minteh because he’s an exciting player.
They’re trying to address a genuine weakness in the squad.
And Minteh fits the profile.
But Liverpool need to get the fee right
This is where Richard Hughes and Liverpool’s recruitment team have to be smart.
Brighton know Minteh wants Liverpool.
They know Liverpool want him.
That gives them leverage.
But Liverpool also reportedly have alternatives they can turn to if the numbers become unrealistic.
And that’s important.
The Reds shouldn’t allow themselves to be held to ransom.
If Brighton want a huge fee, Liverpool need to decide whether Minteh is worth it.
The next step
With personal terms reportedly already agreed, the next stage is entirely about the clubs.
Liverpool and Brighton need to find common ground.
Perhaps Liverpool increase their offer.
Perhaps Brighton lower their demands.
Or perhaps the two clubs structure a deal with a significant guaranteed fee plus achievable add-ons.
There are several ways to get it done.
The signs are positive
For Liverpool supporters, though, this is another encouraging update.
Minteh wants Liverpool.
Personal terms are agreed.
Liverpool are still negotiating.
Now the Reds simply have to get Brighton over the line.
And if they can do that, Liverpool could finally have the explosive wide player Iraola has been asking for.
The player has chosen Anfield.
Now Liverpool have to agree the price.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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