Liverpool have found their new world-class attacker - and it's not Barcola

Updated: 21 Aug 2026 19:20 BST | 4 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

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After losing club legend Mohamed Salah in July, Liverpool head into the 2026-27 season without the talismanic figure who has spearheaded their attack for close to a decade.

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The Egypt international undoubtedly suffered a notable tip in form last term, but he remains a major loss following his Bosman move to Trabzonspor and the Reds are still yet to replace him with less than two weeks until Transfer Deadline Day on 1 September.

Victor Munoz, a €40 million summer signing from Osasuna, could feasibly step up to the plate, but it’s a big ask given his lack of experience at the top level, while rumours suggest that Rio Ngumoha may even be deployed on the right wing this campaign.

The England youngster shone in that role on his senior debut for Thomas Tuchel’s side earlier this summer, however it’s a position that he has never consistently played and Andoni Iraola would therefore be taking a huge risk if the summer window closes without an out-and-out right winger arriving.

Current ETV

Yankuba Minteh

F (R), M (RL)

Brighton

Yankuba Minteh

F (R), M (RL)

Brighton

ETV Range

€44.7M - €54.6M

It’s understood that Paris Saint-Germain attacker Bradley Barcola remains Liverpool’s top target, however he would arrive as a starter on the left flank, with Nguhoma likely to be shifted to the right in order to accommodate the France star.

However, there is significant reason to suggest that Liverpool would be better off ending their pursuit of Barcola and going all-in for Brighton & Hove Albion star Yankuba Minteh.

Why Liverpool should sign Yankuba Minteh

Widespread reports have indicated that Liverpool’s opening two proposals for Minteh, worth just €60m and €70m, respectively, have been turned down by Brighton, but talks are expected to continue and there is a feeling that a deal will be reached if the Reds lodge a suitable bid.

The Gambia international is currently sidelined with a leg injury, and although he isn't expected to return to full fitness until October, it’s believed this won’t be an issue in the transfer.

Minteh has scored 10 goals and provided nine assists in 73 games for Brighton, but his contribution for the Seagulls goes well beyond pure numbers. He is electrically quick, his match intelligence is excellent and he is one of the hardest-working wingers in Europe.

Last season, data analytics experts SciSports ranked Minteh as the second-best winger for crossing in the entire Premier League - behind Jacob Murphy (Newcastle United) - and considering the aforementioned Ngumoha was rated at the very bottom of this list, adding the 22-year-old to their ranks could provide Liverpool with immense diversity out wide.

Furthermore, SciSports believe that Minteh is currently a better player than Barcola and his potential SciSkill rating is also higher than the Frenchman’s (140.1 compared to 126.8).

© IMAGO - Yankuba Minteh is on Liverpool's transfer radar

The Gambia superstar is nearly two years younger than Barcola and while his reputation hasn’t yet reached the same level as the PSG star’s, he has the raw attributes to become one of the best wingers in the world and he is a far better fit for Liverpool’s squad considering the presence of Nguhoma.

Shifting the Englishman to the right wing in order to sign Barcola isn’t the worst idea, given the France international’s quality, but Minteh is a Premier League proven option who would seamlessly fit into Iraola’s high-pressing system. Plus, he could well be signed for €100m cheaper.

Barcola may be regarded as one of Europe’s most frightening wingers, but PSG want a fee of around €150m to sanction a sale and considering their huge outlay on Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak last summer, Liverpool would be best served instead lodging a fresh bid for Minteh.