Liverpool to make call on Minteh transfer as three elite midfielders overlooked with Reds star ‘ready’
Liverpool have a big decision to make on their pursuit of Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh, after it was revealed they overlooked three elite midfielders, with a Reds man perfect for Andoni Iraola.
The summer transfer window is nearing its end and Liverpool still don’t have a replacement for Mohamed Salah in their squad. While Victor Munoz has come through the door, the Reds have been tracking multiple wingers after his signing, with the suggestion that two transfers could be made.
Munoz won a penalty in the 2-2 draw with Newcastle on debut, but talks have been ongoing for the Bradley Barcola, Ibrahim Mbaye and Minteh.
Yankuba Minteh decision coming
The Reds have had two offers knocked back by Brighton for Minteh – of £50million and £60million. It’s suggested it will take north of £70million to land the Gambian.
Ben Jacobs reports “fresh talks” are taking place between the two clubs in regards to Minteh.
It’s suggested the Reds are deciding whether they should increase their offer for the Brighton man.
The £70million price tag appears a lot for a man with 17 Premier League goal contributions who could be replacing perhaps Liverpool’s best-ever player.
READ MORE: Every completed Liverpool transfer in summer 2026: Signings, sales, loans
Liverpool exit Ibrahim Mbaye pursuit
Paris Saint-Germain’s Mbaye is one of the other wingers Liverpool have been pushing for this summer.
However, Fabrizio Romano suggests the demands of the Champions League holders has put the Reds off the potential snare.
He said on YouTube: “For Ibrahim Mbaye, appreciated, yes, talks, yes, but other clubs could jump on the opportunity because Liverpool at the moment considered Paris Saint-Germain’s price too high for Ibrahim Mbaye.”
It’s been reported elsewhere that the asking price for the French forward begins at €70million (£60m) and Liverpool are not the only side put off by that fee.
Liverpool overlook three elite midfielders
And Liverpool have chosen not to replace Curtis Jones this summer, with the midfielder heading to Inter Milan, but Andoni Iraola looked at some elite midfielders earlier on in the window but opted against them.
TEAMtalk insider Graeme Bailey explained: “Before pre-season I am told that Andoni Iraola, aware of the Curtis Jones situation, was worried about the depth – one reason he wanted Jones to stay.
“Iraola also wanted work done on other options and we can confirm that was the case.
“A host of options were assessed – they looked at the Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes situations, but they were not right for them.
“But the likes of Adam Wharton, Alex Scott and Lamine Camara – very good young players – have been assessed and they like what they have seen and heard, but we are talking £50, £60 or even more than £70million in terms of deals.”
But Iraola has been so impressed with Liverpool youngster Trey Nyoni that he doesn’t feel a new midfielder is necessary.
Bailey added: “Then in comes Nyoni and he has blown Iraola away, they firmly believe he is first-team ready and can compete with the likes of [Dominik] Szoboszlai, [Ryan] Gravenberch and [Alexis] Mac Allister – they really see that as a midfield four and they even have Endo still around.”
