Liverpool’s winger hunt: why Yankubah Minteh stands out as Plan B

Liverpool’s pursuit of a new winger this summer has intensified, with Brighton’s Yankubah Minteh emerging as a leading alternative if Bradley Barcola fails to join Anfield. Speaking to Trev Downey on Anfield Index, analyst David Lynch framed Minteh as the standout option behind PSG’s Barcola in Liverpool’s forward recruitment strategy. Lynch’s assessment highlights the tactical fit Minteh offers Liverpool under new head coach Andoni Iraola. While Barcola remains the preferred target, Lynch described Minteh as the clear standout among the next tier of candidates, alongside Fernandez-Pardo and El Mala. The Brighton winger’s profile aligns closely with Liverpool’s needs. Lynch pointed to Minteh’s Premier League experience as a key asset, noting he is a left-footed player deployed on the right wing who has already adapted to English football. That familiarity could ease his transition compared to overseas arrivals from other European leagues. Lynch also emphasised Minteh’s off-the-ball contributions, praising his pressing intensity and defensive work rate. “He also works incredibly hard off the ball. His defensive numbers are great,” Lynch said. Those traits fit Liverpool’s aggressive style under Iraola, where energy and pressing are central to the system.

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However, Lynch acknowledged that last season’s output at Brighton does not reflect Minteh’s potential. “He didn’t have a great season last season in terms of output,” he admitted. The analyst cited Brighton’s tactical system as a limiting factor, with Minteh often positioned wide rather than in central goal-scoring areas. Lynch believes Liverpool’s approach could unlock more from the 21-year-old. “I think in a kind of Iraola system, I can easily see how his numbers would scale,” he said. The suggestion is that a more direct, aggressive Liverpool setup could elevate Minteh’s attacking impact. Despite his praise for Minteh, Lynch reiterated his preference for signing Barcola. “That’s why I’m really wedded to the idea that you go and get Barcola if you can,” he said. The uncertainty around Minteh’s ability to make the leap was also noted, with Lynch questioning whether he can deliver consistently at a higher level.

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Yet Minteh remains firmly on Liverpool’s radar. Lynch concluded that if Liverpool must look beyond Barcola, Minteh would be high on their list. “If they had to move down the list, I think he’d be quite high up for me,” he said. For Liverpool, the situation reflects a high-stakes summer recruitment drive. With Barcola the priority, Minteh represents a calculated gamble—one that could pay off if the market shifts or if multiple signings are pursued.