Liverpool identify Yankuba Minteh as Bradley Barcola alternative

Liverpool are weighing Yankuba Minteh as a backup option if their pursuit of Bradley Barcola does not come through, with Brighton’s winger now firmly on their radar.

The Reds are waiting on PSG’s wider transfer plans before making a final push for Barcola, and Arsenal’s interest has only made that race harder.

Minteh’s profile explains why Liverpool like him. The 20-year-old joined Brighton from Newcastle United on 1 July 2024 in a permanent deal worth a reported £30 million, signing a five-year contract and taking the number 11 shirt. His loan spell at Feyenoord the previous season was a major reason Newcastle agreed to sell, after he scored 11 goals in 37 appearances and showed he could deliver at a high level.

He settled quickly at Brighton too. Minteh made his debut on 17 August 2024 in a 3-0 Premier League win over Everton and immediately set up Kaoru Mitoma’s opening goal. Liverpool view him as a more affordable and flexible attacking target, even if Barcola remains their preferred name.