Report: Liverpool Ready to Splash Over Β£100m on Salah Successor Yankuba Minteh
Liverpool are reportedly prepared to spend big on a potential long-term successor to Mohamed Salah β and the player in question is one whom Arne Slot knows extremely well.
Despite already investing heavily in Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, and Alexander Isak this year, the Premier League champions appear far from done in the transfer market. Several names have been linked with a future move to Anfield in 2026, including Antoine Semenyo and Michael Olise β but a new target has now emerged.
Liverpool Eye Brighton Star Yankuba Minteh
According to Footy-Africa (via CaughtOffside), Liverpool are ready to pay in excess of Β£100 million for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh, viewing him as a potential heir to Salahβs right-wing role.
While no formal bid has yet been made, club insiders reportedly believe that talks could accelerate in the weeks leading up to the January transfer window, especially if Salahβs long-term future remains uncertain.
Arne Slotβs Connection to Minteh
Liverpool manager Arne Slot is already well-acquainted with Mintehβs qualities, having managed the 21-year-old during their time together at Feyenoord.
Speaking previously about the Gambia international (via Fatu Network), Slot was full of praise:
βHe certainly doesnβt lack self-confidence. His willingness to give everything is enormous. When we see his statistics, itβs really impressive. Minteh ran more sprint metres against Ajax in an hour than many players in two games. He is incredibly fast, and he wants it so badly.β
That familiarity could play a major role in Liverpoolβs interest, with Slot keen to add more pace, pressing intensity, and directness to his attack β qualities Minteh has in abundance.
Statistical Breakdown β Mintehβs Strengths
According to data from FBref, Minteh ranks among the elite wide players across Europeβs top five leagues for both attacking and defensive contributions.
| Metric | Average per 90 | Percentile vs Peers |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive carries | 4.98 | 82nd |
| Successful take-ons | 2.45 | 93rd |
| Tackles | 2.53 | 97th |
| Clearances | 1.31 | 89th |
These numbers highlight his exceptional work rate, defensive effort, and ability to carry the ball forward under pressure β attributes that Slot values highly in his system.
Goals Remain His Weak Spot
While Mintehβs energy and technical skill are undeniable, his end product still needs refinement.
The winger has scored just eight goals in 47 appearances for Brighton, and 23 in 101 senior career games overall (Transfermarkt).
By comparison, Salah has never scored fewer than 23 goals in a full season since joining Liverpool β setting a standard that will be incredibly difficult for any successor to match.
Reality Check β Is a Β£100m Move Likely?
Although Liverpoolβs admiration for Minteh appears genuine, the prospect of paying Β£100 million for the 21-year-old remains unlikely in the near term.
Still, with Salah approaching the twilight of his Anfield career and continued Saudi interest in the Egyptian, the Redsβ recruitment team are clearly planning for the future. Mintehβs age, familiarity with Slotβs system, and potential for growth make him a player to watch closely in upcoming windows.
Verdict
Yankuba Minteh may not be the finished product yet, but his raw pace, tireless energy, and tactical awareness make him one of Europeβs most exciting young wingers.
Whether Liverpool actually move for him in January remains uncertain β but itβs clear that Arne Slot already sees something special in his former player.