Liverpool target Brighton's Yankuba Minteh as Salah successor, says reliable source

Liverpool have registered 'definite' interest in signing Brighton and Hove Albion attacker Yankuba Minteh, according to transfer journalist David Lynch. The 20-year-old winger is valued at approximately £38m and has emerged as a key target following Mohamed Salah's departure from Anfield this summer.

Background: Minteh's rapid rise and Brighton's transfer model

Minteh joined Brighton from Danish club Odense Boldklub in 2023 for a reported £6m. He spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Feyenoord, where he registered six goals and five assists in 27 league appearances. His direct dribbling, pace, and ability to operate on either flank drew comparisons to a young Sadio Mané.

Under manager Roberto De Zerbi's successor, Minteh has continued to develop. In the current campaign, he has started 12 Premier League matches, scoring three goals and providing two assists. His dribble success rate of 63% ranks among the highest for wingers under 21 in Europe's top five leagues.

Brighton have a well-established model of developing young talent and selling at a substantial profit. With three years left on his contract, the Seagulls are in a strong negotiating position but have a history of sanctioning moves for players who express a desire to leave.

Impact on Liverpool: Tactical fit and squad reshuffle

Mohamed Salah's exit leaves a gaping hole in Liverpool's right-sided attack. While Mohamed Salah contributed 25 goals and 14 assists last season, Minteh offers a different profile — more direct running and less reliance on cutting inside onto his left foot. He is comfortable on both flanks, which would provide tactical flexibility for manager Arne Slot.

Slot's system relies on wide forwards who can stretch defences and deliver crosses. Minteh averaged 2.3 successful crosses per 90 minutes in the Eredivisie last season. If signed, he could compete with Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo for the starting berth, with Harvey Elliott also capable of playing in the front three.

  • Minteh's £38m fee is a significant outlay but modest compared to the £100m+ received from Salah's sale.
  • Brighton's track record of selling high — Moisés Caicedo to Chelsea for £115m, Marc Cucurella to Chelsea for £62m — suggests they will demand a premium.
  • Liverpool have traditionally invested in young attackers with high resale value, aligning with Minteh's profile.

Broader context: Premier League rivals and FPL implications

Arsenal and Manchester United have also monitored Minteh, but Liverpool are the first to have declared 'definite' interest. The Gunners, having signed a wide player in the summer, may not enter a bidding war. United, under Erik ten Hag, prioritise different targets.

In Fantasy Premier League, Minteh is priced at £6.5m and owned by just 2.1% of managers. A move to Liverpool would likely see his price rise to £8.0m, given the attacking output expected from a Reds winger. His upcoming fixtures, if he stays at Brighton, include Manchester City and Arsenal — tough matchups that suppress short-term appeal.

For title race context, Liverpool finished third last season, seven points behind Arsenal. Adding a dynamic wide player could bridge that gap, especially while rivals City strengthen their squad.

What next: Transfer timeline and potential hurdles

Lynch's report suggests Liverpool's interest is concrete, but no bid has been submitted. Brighton typically negotiate hard and may hold out for £50m. The player's desire to join a Champions League club could accelerate talks. Liverpool have also been linked with PSV's Johan Bakayoko and Crystal Palace's Michael Olise, but Minteh remains the primary target.

With pre-season beginning in early July, Liverpool will aim to complete the signing before their first friendly. If a deal falters, attention may turn to alternative targets, but for now, all eyes are on the Amex Stadium's latest gem.

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