Liverpool Eye Gambian Star Yankuba Minteh in Search for Mohamed Salah’s Successor

By Musa Jobe

Liverpool, England – Premier League champions Liverpool have reportedly identified Gambian international Yankuba Minteh as one of their leading alternative transfer targets as the club steps up its search for a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah.

The 21-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion winger has emerged on Liverpool’s shortlist after the Reds encountered difficulties in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola. Transfer reports indicate that while Barcola remains Liverpool’s preferred target, the Merseyside club is actively assessing other options, with Minteh among the players under serious consideration.

According to transfer journalist Ben Jacobs, Liverpool have discussed the Gambian international internally, although no formal negotiations with Brighton have begun.

“Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh has been discussed. I’m not aware of anything developing as it stands,” Jacobs said, suggesting the Reds are keeping the winger in reserve should negotiations for Barcola fail to progress.

Minteh’s inclusion on Liverpool’s shortlist is another significant milestone in the meteoric rise of one of The Gambia’s brightest football talents.

Born in Bakoteh, Minteh’s journey has been remarkable. After starting his career with Steve Biko FC in The Gambia, he moved to Denmark’s Odense BK before earning a transfer to Newcastle United in 2023. He was immediately loaned to Dutch giants Feyenoord, where his explosive pace, dribbling ability and eye for goal helped him become one of the Eredivisie’s standout young wingers.

His performances earned him a move to Brighton & Hove Albion, where he has continued to impress in the Premier League and establish himself as one of Africa’s most exciting young attackers.

Liverpool’s reported interest reflects the club’s determination to reinforce its attacking options following Salah’s departure. Reports suggest the Reds are unwilling to prolong negotiations for other priority targets indefinitely and are preparing alternative plans should those deals fail to materialize.

For Gambian football, a move to Anfield would represent another historic achievement.

Minteh has become a symbol of the country’s growing influence in European football, earning praise for his performances with the national team and continuing to attract attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs. His pace, creativity and direct style of play have made him one of the Premier League’s emerging stars.

While Liverpool’s interest remains at an exploratory stage, speculation is expected to intensify in the coming weeks as the English champions finalize their summer transfer plans.

Should the move materialize, Minteh would become one of the highest-profile Gambian footballers ever to wear the famous red shirt at Anfield, marking another landmark moment in both his career and Gambian football history.