Yankuba Minteh Names African Premier League top‑5 sparks Liverpool

Yankuba Minteh has named his top five African Premier League players, a list that notably excludes Mohamed Salah. The 22‑year‑old Gambian, who has made 73 appearances for Brighton since joining from Newcastle United in 2024, revealed his choices while discussing a potential £60 million move to Liverpool.

Liverpool interest and forward needs

Reports suggest Liverpool are close to completing Minteh’s signing, with a fee that could exceed £60 million as the club seeks new attacking options ahead of the new season. His selections underscore the contribution of Africa to the Premier League.

When asked by BBC News Africa for his top five, Minteh placed Tottenham’s Mohammed Kudus at number five, praising his ball‑play and teamwork, and highlighted Kudus’s 84 Premier League appearances and 15 goals for Spurs and West Ham.

He ranked Samuel Eto’o fourth, recalling the Cameroonian’s spells at Chelsea and Everton between 2013 and 2015, and noted Eto’o’s importance for African football.

At number three Minteh selected Didier Drogba, citing the former Chelsea striker’s two Golden Boots and two league titles, and recalling his Champions League triumph.

Michael Essien earned the second spot, with Minteh describing the former Chelsea midfielder as a “beast” who roamed the pitch, and emphasizing his role in successful Stamford Bridge teams.

Finally, Minteh crowned Sadio Mane as the best African ever to grace the Premier League, lauding the Senegalese’s hard work and faith‑driven attitude.

When the interviewer asked about Mohamed Salah, Minteh replied, “No, I don’t look up to him,” a statement that may not sit well with Liverpool supporters.

Image credit and author details

Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers By  Alfie Cairns Culshaw PM GMT+1 Alfie Cairns Culshaw is a football journalist covering the Premier League for GIVEMESPORT.

Alfie joined GIVEMESPORT in May 2024, is an Arsenal season‑ticket holder, and previously worked for SportBible covering Liverpool and Manchester United, while also producing YouTube content and running an Arsenal‑focused blog with over 59,000 Instagram followers. His articles appear on GiveMeSport, and he often shares insights on Sport and football across platforms. Us readers can follow his work here, and he encourages fans to give feedback.