Could this be the signing that finally changes the Yankuba Minteh situation?
Brighton & Hove Albion have reportedly reached an agreement with Millwall for winger Femi Azeez, with the deal worth an initial £12.5 million and potentially more than £15 million overall, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
The 25-year-old has reportedly been given permission to undergo his medical ahead of a move to Brighton.
And while this doesn’t mean Yankuba Minteh is suddenly heading to Liverpool, I can’t help but wonder whether this could be significant.
Liverpool still want Minteh
Liverpool have been interested in Minteh for some time.
The Reds have already made moves for the Gambian winger during the summer, but Brighton have been reluctant to sell.
That has left Liverpool looking at alternatives, including Ismaïla Sarr.
But Minteh remains a player Liverpool clearly like.
And with Liverpool still looking for another winger, the situation is worth watching.
Why could Azeez matter?
This is where the speculation comes in.
Brighton have just agreed a deal to bring in another winger.
That doesn’t automatically mean Minteh is leaving.
Far from it.
Brighton could simply be strengthening their squad and adding another attacking option.
But clubs don’t usually make major decisions in isolation.
If Azeez arrives, Brighton will have another player capable of operating in wide areas.
That could potentially make them more comfortable with the idea of allowing another winger to leave.
And if Liverpool are still pushing for Minteh, that could be important.
Brighton still hold the cards
The problem for Liverpool is that Brighton don’t need to sell.
They know Minteh is a talented young player.
They know Liverpool are interested.
And they know that the closer we get to the deadline, the more difficult it becomes for Liverpool to find alternatives.
That’s exactly the sort of situation Brighton can use to their advantage.
If they decide Minteh is available, they can demand a significant fee.
Could Azeez be Minteh’s replacement?
That’s the big question.
It’s too early to say that.
Azeez is 25 and has experience in English football, but Minteh is younger and has considerably more potential at the very highest level.
Brighton may simply see Azeez as another squad option.
So I wouldn’t say:
“Brighton have signed Azeez, therefore Minteh is going to Liverpool.”
That’s not what we know.
But I would say:
“Brighton signing another winger could potentially make a Minteh sale easier to consider.”
And that’s an important distinction.
Liverpool need another winger
For me, Liverpool still need one.
Bradley Barcola has arrived in a huge deal, but Liverpool’s squad has undergone so much change this summer that Iraola needs as many attacking options as possible.
If Cody Gakpo stays, Liverpool still need depth.
If Gakpo eventually leaves, they need even more.
Minteh would give Liverpool something different.
He’s quick.
He’s direct.
He’s powerful.
And he has the ability to attack defenders one-on-one.
That’s exactly the sort of player Liverpool could use.
Minteh could be a very exciting signing
I can understand why Liverpool like him.
He’s still young and has plenty of room for development.
He’s already shown that he can make an impact in the Premier League, while his physical attributes would make him particularly dangerous in a Liverpool side looking to play with intensity.
Imagine having Barcola and Minteh available.
Two young, explosive wingers who can attack space and take defenders on.
That would give Iraola a completely different dimension.
But don’t get carried away yet
This is where we need to be sensible.
There is no confirmed indication that Brighton signing Azeez means Minteh is being sold to Liverpool.
At this stage, it’s simply an interesting development.
The Azeez deal could have absolutely nothing to do with Minteh.
Brighton may be strengthening their squad rather than preparing to sell.
But given Liverpool’s interest in Minteh, it’s certainly something I’ll be keeping an eye on.
My verdict
Could Femi Azeez’s arrival mean Yankuba Minteh can finally leave Brighton?
Potentially.
But we need more evidence before saying that.
What we do know is that Brighton are bringing in another winger, while Liverpool remain interested in Minteh.
That creates an interesting situation.
If Brighton believe Azeez can provide additional depth, perhaps they would be more comfortable negotiating over Minteh.
And if Liverpool are still pushing, this could be a development worth watching very closely.
I’ve got a feeling this Minteh story might not be finished yet.
Could Brighton have just signed Minteh’s replacement?
Maybe.
And if they have, Liverpool could suddenly have a much better chance of getting their man.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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