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Liverpool have a glaring problem – €82m star can provide the solution
24 Aug 2026 09:30 CDT |
4 min read
News
A 99th minute Dominik Szoboszlai penalty spared Liverpool’s blushes against Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon, with Hungary international earning the Reds a point thanks to a last-gasp equaliser from the spot.
Andoni Iraola’s side dominated possession and territory at St James’ Park, but they were frequently exposed by Newcastle’s pace on the counter-attack, with William Osula, Yoane Wissa and, most notably, Anthony Elanga causing serious problems for the Liverpool backline.
Current ETV
Dominik Szoboszlai
AM, M, DM (C)
Liverpool
Dominik Szoboszlai
AM, M, DM (C)
Liverpool
ETV Range
€84.1M - €102.8M
The Magpies fully deserved all three points, however their hard work was undone when Lewis Hall, who had excelled up to this point, fouled Reds substitute Victor Munoz inside the penalty area, with Szoboszlai subsequently thumping his effort into the top corner.
Iraola will be thankful that his Liverpool tenure didn’t start with defeat, but he will be mightily concerned by a number of issues that were evident on Sunday.
Liverpool’s midfield trio of Florian Wirtz, Ryan Gravenberch and Szoboszlai were frequently overrun by Newcastle, and while they are all vastly talented, it’s clear the chemistry isn’t quite right. Gravenberch and Szoboszlai both need a more defensively-orientated partner alongside them in the double pivot, yet it appears as though Liverpool are set to completely ignore this issue.
Instead, they want to bolster their forward line, and Bradley Barcola is seen as their priority signing amid the uncertain future of Tottenham Hotspur target Cody Gakpo.
If their pursuit of Barcola is successful, Liverpool are set to persist with their current plan of Rio Ngumoha being deployed on the right flank. But, his performance on Sunday proved that he simply isn’t the right solution amid their club’s bid to identify a suitable replacement for Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool must sign Yankuba Minteh
Ngumoha is a supremely talented winger and there is little doubt that he will soon establish himself as one of the very best players in his position in world football. However, his position is on the left, not the right.
Faced up against the aforementioned Hall on Sunday, Ngumoha struggled to get into the game and he was entirely uncomfortable on the right flank. He rarely looked to beat Hall down the line, while he was often hesitant to drive inside, likely fearful of being forced onto his weaker left foot.
The England youngster has been used in this role throughout pre-season, but it doesn’t suit his game at all and, in fact, it completely restricted his ability.
Munoz was a bright spark off the bench, however Ngumoha proved he arguably shouldn’t be viewed as an option off the right at all and signing a more natural option for this role must be regarded as essential before Deadline Day.
Barcola is a fantastic player, but Liverpool need a right winger and Yankuba Minteh fits the bill perfectly. He is rapid, he is extremely dangerous when faced one-vs-one out wide and his high-energy style will perfectly suit Iraola’s pressing system.
STATS
Yankuba Minteh
F (R), M (RL)
Brighton
Yankuba Minteh
F (R), M (RL)
Brighton
Furthermore, signing Minteh would allow Ngumoha to play on his favoured left side, which can only be seen as a huge positive after his showing on Sunday.
It’s understood that Liverpool have already agreed personal terms with Minteh, and talks with Brighton & Hove Albion are set to intensify over the coming days, with Fabian Hurzeler’s side seeking a fee of around €82 million (£70m).
It’s a hefty price tag, but Minteh is the perfect signing to elevate Liverpool’s attack and his arrival would give Ngumoha the platform to establish himself as a top-level left winger, rather than a mediocre right winger.
