Liverpool’s search for another winger appears to have taken another twist.
For weeks, Yankuba Minteh has been one of the names dominating the transfer conversation around Anfield.
Liverpool made multiple approaches for the Brighton winger, but a deal has proved difficult to complete.
Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have “gone cold” on Minteh and are exploring alternative options for their second winger after Bradley Barcola.
And that could open the door for two very interesting alternatives.
Ismaila Sarr and Ibrahim Mbaye.
Barcola plus one?
This is the part that really catches my attention.
The expectation appears to be that Liverpool want Barcola plus another winger before the transfer window closes.
Barcola has been the priority target for months.
If Liverpool can finally get that deal over the line, attention will then turn to finding another attacking player capable of adding pace, depth and competition.
And it seems Minteh may no longer be the favourite.
Ismaila Sarr could be an intriguing option
Liverpool supporters know all about Ismaila Sarr.
The Crystal Palace winger has caused the Reds plenty of problems over the years.
In fact, Sarr has an incredible record against Liverpool, with seven goals and two assists in 10 appearances across his spells with Watford and Palace.
That’s the kind of player you would much rather have playing for you than against you.
And there are now reports that Liverpool are interested in signing him.
Turkish journalist Nevzat Dindar has claimed that Liverpool are monitoring the Senegal international, while Galatasaray are also pushing hard to sign him.
The biggest complication could be Palace.
They reportedly want at least £50m to sell Sarr.
Sarr apparently wants to leave
According to Dindar, Sarr wants to leave Palace and was left out of their squad.
If that is accurate, Liverpool could potentially have an opportunity.
The player is experienced.
He knows the Premier League.
He’s versatile.
And he has the pace Liverpool desperately need.
That last point is particularly important.
The Newcastle game showed how much Liverpool can struggle when they dominate possession but don’t have enough players capable of breaking the defensive line.
Sarr would certainly give Iraola another option.
But £50m isn’t cheap
Liverpool would still need to decide whether Sarr represents good value.
At around £50m, you’re spending serious money on a 28-year-old.
That’s very different from signing Barcola or Mbaye.
Sarr could provide an immediate contribution, but he’s unlikely to have the same long-term upside.
For a club that has been investing heavily in young talent, that’s an important consideration.
Then there’s Ibrahim Mbaye
The other option is completely different.
Mbaye is only 18 years old.
Liverpool have already been heavily linked with the PSG youngster and, according to the reports you’ve shared, have even agreed personal terms on a potential five-year contract.
The problem?
PSG’s asking price.
Reports have suggested that PSG could want somewhere between £43m and £60m for the teenager.
That’s an enormous amount of money for a player who has barely begun his senior career.
But Liverpool clearly see something special in him.
Mbaye or Sarr?
This is a fascinating choice.
Sarr gives you:
Premier League experience.
Pace.
Versatility.
Immediate impact.
Mbaye gives you:
Youth.
Huge potential.
Long-term value.
The possibility of developing into a superstar.
If Liverpool want someone to help them immediately, Sarr makes more sense.
If they’re thinking about the next five years, Mbaye could be the more exciting option.
What about Minteh?
The Minteh situation is still not completely dead.
That’s important.
Romano says Liverpool have gone cold on the deal, while Ben Jacobs has suggested Liverpool were still deciding whether to make another bid.
And Brighton reportedly believe a bid of around £70m would get the deal done.
Liverpool could therefore still return.
But if they’re genuinely exploring alternatives, it suggests the club aren’t prepared to simply keep increasing their offer indefinitely.
And I think that’s sensible.
Liverpool shouldn’t overpay just because they’ve spent weeks pursuing a player.
Two options at roughly the same price
There’s an interesting twist here.
Jacobs has suggested that Liverpool could view Minteh and Mbaye as options at roughly the same price.
If PSG really want around €70m for Mbaye, Liverpool could be looking at a similar financial commitment to what Brighton want for Minteh.
That makes the decision even more interesting.
Why pay £60m-£70m for Minteh if Liverpool believe Mbaye has greater potential?
Equally, why gamble that amount on an 18-year-old when Sarr could immediately contribute in the Premier League?
These are the decisions Liverpool’s recruitment team now have to make.
I still think Liverpool need pace
Whatever happens, I believe Liverpool are right to pursue another winger.
The Newcastle draw reinforced that for me.
Liverpool can have 60% possession.
They can have 27 shots.
But if the opposition can sit deep and then hurt them on the counter, you need players who can change the dynamic.
You need someone who can receive the ball and immediately make something happen.
Someone who can beat a defender.
Someone who can run beyond Isak.
Someone who can stretch a defence.
That’s what Barcola would provide.
And whoever comes in alongside him needs to offer something similar.
My verdict
I’m not disappointed that Liverpool appear to have cooled on Minteh.
If Brighton really want around £70m, Liverpool need to be absolutely certain he’s worth it.
And if there are other options available, the Reds should explore them.
Sarr would make sense for now.
Mbaye could make sense for the future.
Minteh remains an option if Liverpool decide he’s worth the money.
But the most important thing is that Liverpool get Barcola plus one.
Because if Iraola is going to compete on four fronts, he needs more than just one new winger.
Liverpool need pace.
They need depth.
And most importantly, they need options.
The next few days could be fascinating.
Barcola plus Sarr?
Barcola plus Mbaye?
Or will Liverpool go back to Minteh?
Whatever happens, it looks increasingly likely that Liverpool’s second winger won’t be the player we originally expected.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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