Liverpool news: Reds discover Yankuba Minteh asking price as transfer ‘likely’ to happen

Liverpool’s transfer window is nearing its September 1 deadline with two high-profile attacking targets in sight—and the Reds are making tangible progress on both fronts. As Andoni Iraola prepares to oversee his first competitive outing in charge on Sunday against Newcastle United, the club’s recruitment team has secured key price information on Yankuba Minteh and remains locked in advanced talks over Bradley Barcola. The developments represent a clear shift toward securing high-impact attackers before the window closes.

Minteh’s price revealed as Reds push for £70m-plus deal

Brighton & Hove Albion have set a firm asking price for Yankuba Minteh, with reports indicating they are holding out for “over £70million” including add-ons. Liverpool initially tabled an opening offer of £50m, only to see it rejected, before increasing their bid by a further £10m—only for that to be turned down as well. Speaking to TNT Sports on Saturday, The Athletic’s David Ornstein suggested that while the numbers remain challenging, Liverpool’s pursuit “definitely stands a chance.” The Reds are understood to have other forward options in their sights if the final valuation proves prohibitive, but Minteh remains one of the most sought-after wingers in the Premier League this summer.

The Seagulls’ stance underscores the competitive market for elite wide attackers, with multiple top-flight clubs monitoring the Gambian international. Liverpool’s willingness to escalate their bid signals serious intent, though Brighton’s refusal to budge suggests they are prepared to wait rather than accept a figure they deem insufficient. The next 48 hours will be decisive: either Liverpool meet the valuation or pivot to alternative targets before the window shuts.

Minteh’s profile—pace, directness, and a direct goal threat in the Premier League—aligns with Liverpool’s need for a dynamic wide option who can complement Mohamed Salah and Luis Díaz. His ability to play on either flank adds tactical flexibility, while his direct running could provide a different dimension to the Reds’ attack compared to the more possession-based approach under previous managers. The club’s willingness to engage in a bidding war reflects the urgency of addressing a position that has lacked consistent impact in recent months.

Barcola talks ‘very likely’ to conclude before deadline

Liverpool’s pursuit of Bradley Barcola is gathering decisive momentum, with BBC Sport reporting that a deal is “very likely” to be agreed with Paris Saint-Germain before September 1. The 21-year-old has been a consistent summer target for the Reds, and PSG’s own summer spending—including the arrivals of Ferran Torres and Mika Godts—has only strengthened the case for his departure. PSG’s attacking reshuffle has left Barcola surplus to requirements, and Liverpool’s willingness to meet the French club’s valuation appears to have accelerated negotiations.

While the transfer has “dragged on,” the BBC’s source indicates that both parties are nearing a resolution. Barcola’s profile fits Iraola’s system, offering pace, directness, and a proven goal threat in Ligue 1. His ability to operate as a central striker or on the left wing provides tactical versatility, while his direct running and finishing could offer a different profile to the more creative Salah and Díaz. If the deal materialises, it would represent a significant coup for Liverpool, providing competition for the established forward line while adding depth to a unit that has lacked consistent impact in recent months.

The potential arrival of Barcola comes at a crucial time for Liverpool. With Diogo Jota currently sidelined through injury and Salah’s future beyond this season still uncertain, the Reds need attacking reinforcements who can provide consistency. Barcola’s Ligue 1 record—14 goals and 5 assists in 35 appearances last season—demonstrates his potential, though his adaptation to the Premier League will be a key factor in determining his impact.

Iraola’s first test arrives amid transfer uncertainty

Iraola’s Premier League debut against Newcastle on Sunday arrives at a pivotal moment for Liverpool. The Reds’ transfer activity has been criticised for its sluggishness, with only Victor Muñoz, loanee Ronald Araujo, and Jeremy Jaquet confirmed as new arrivals ahead of the campaign. The loss of Curtis Jones to Inter Milan—confirmed by the club on Friday—further highlights the need for Iraola to integrate new talent quickly. With Minteh and Barcola still in flux, the manager must navigate his first major test with a squad that remains unsettled.

The window’s final days will determine whether Liverpool can finalise one or both deals. Failure to secure either attacker would leave Iraola with a frontline that includes Luis Díaz, Salah, and Jota—talented but injury-prone options. The club’s ability to conclude business in the coming days will shape their capacity to compete on multiple fronts this season, particularly in the Champions League where attacking depth is crucial.

Liverpool’s transfer strategy has been characterised by caution, but the pursuit of Minteh and Barcola demonstrates a clear shift toward securing high-impact attackers. The next 48 hours will reveal whether the Reds can turn their interest into completed deals—or whether they will be forced to regroup and target different profiles entirely. One thing is certain: Iraola’s first competitive outing will be watched closely, not just for the result, but for the glimpse it provides into how the manager intends to shape his squad for the challenges ahead.