Liverpool are edging closer to securing the long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah, with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Yankuba Minteh firmly in their sights as the Gambian winger’s potential exit gains momentum.
The Egyptian King’s extraordinary tenure at Anfield has been one of the defining stories of the Premier League era, producing an avalanche of goals, assists, and match-winning moments. Yet, at 33 and with his contract winding down, subtle signs of decline have emerged this season. While Salah remains capable of brilliance, his explosiveness in duels and consistency have waned, prompting the club to plan proactively rather than risk a sharper drop in value or performance.
Selling at the optimal time would provide substantial funds to reinvest in youth and dynamism, ensuring a seamless evolution of the attack. Replacing a phenomenon like Salah is no simple task, but Liverpool appear to have identified a profile that aligns perfectly with their current tactical demands under Arne Slot: direct, high-intensity, and relentless in both phases.
Anfield sources indicate that Minteh stands as one of the club’s primary targets for the right flank. The 21-year-old’s underlying metrics this Premier League campaign have turned heads, showcasing elite traits that could inject fresh energy into the forward line.
Most strikingly, Minteh ranks second in the league for carries into the opposition penalty area, with an impressive 61 such progressive actions—trailing only Manchester City’s Jérémy Doku. This directness and willingness to drive at defenders make him a constant threat in transition, often breaching the final line where it matters most.
Complementing his attacking output, Minteh excels as a “pressing monster.” He leads all Liverpool attackers in ball recoveries, averaging 3.83 per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season. His intensity off the ball fits seamlessly into the high-pressing system that has become a hallmark of the Reds’ identity, allowing the team to regain possession quickly and launch counter-attacks with speed.
Further bolstering his appeal, Minteh sits fifth among wingers for successful dribbles (2.80 per 90) and ranks 10th for big chances created (7), underlining his ability to create danger through individual skill and vision.
The domino effect appears to be falling in Liverpool’s favour. According to reports in Sports Bild, Brighton have reached a personal terms agreement with Köln’s young wide attacker Said El Mala and his brother, paving the way for the Seagulls to secure a direct replacement for Minteh. While a final transfer fee with Köln remains to be negotiated, the progress on personal terms signals Brighton’s confidence in strengthening their squad—freeing them to consider offers for the Gambian star this summer.
Many observers may view Minteh as a step down from Salah’s prolific goal-scoring output, and the raw numbers support that assessment for now. Yet stylistically, he could prove an even better fit for Liverpool’s evolving needs. His penchant for generating crosses, cut-backs, and high-volume entries into dangerous areas would create ideal service for central forwards like Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, who thrive on quality delivery inside the box.
With Slot’s prior familiarity from their time together at Feyenoord likely playing a role in the attraction, Liverpool are positioning themselves to strike decisively. If the Brighton replacement plan solidifies, the path to Anfield could open wide—heralding a bold new chapter for the Reds’ attack as they prepare for life beyond one of their greatest-ever players.