Lewis Steele: Liverpool expected to push for Premier League star – “A deal is there to be done” | OneFootball

Liverpool Transfer News: Lewis Steele Explains Yankuba Minteh Situation

Liverpool’s pursuit of Yankuba Minteh has reached the point where another bid feels increasingly likely, yet Lewis Steele believes there is a bigger question surrounding the deal.

Should Liverpool really be spending so much money on another winger when Andoni Iraola’s squad has other obvious problems?

Speaking to Dave Davis on Anfield Index’s Media Matters podcast, Steele discussed Liverpool’s move for the Brighton winger, the possibility of a third offer and why the final seven days of the transfer window could force some significant decisions.

Liverpool have already had two offers rejected for Minteh, worth £50million and £60million, with Brighton holding firm over their valuation.

For Steele, another attempt appears likely.

“Yeah, I think so,” he said when asked whether a third bid should be expected. “I think the case will be they’ll try that third bid and if Brighton don’t accept that, then they’ll probably have to pivot to other targets, whoever they may be.”

Brighton Hold Strong Position Over Minteh

Liverpool are dealing with a club that knows precisely how to maximise the value of its players.

That matters.

“It does sound like a deal is there to be done and it’s an agreement that’s there to be easy to be reached,” Steele told Davis.

He also highlighted Brighton’s experience in the transfer market and their awareness of Liverpool’s situation.

“They know that Liverpool have been absolutely desperate all summer for a winger. So, if you’re Brighton, you’re not going to accept anything less than the £70m you asked for, probably.”

Reports elsewhere have also placed Brighton’s demands above Liverpool’s opening offers, with the Reds now considering whether to return with a third proposal.

Steele added: “It does appear that Liverpool have been weighing up whether to make a bid and wouldn’t be surprised at all if they put that in the next day or so.”

Minteh Injury Creates Liverpool Dilemma

There is another important complication.

Minteh is injured and is expected to remain unavailable for another two to three months according to reports on Tuesday.

Steele addressed that issue directly.

“Minteh can’t play for two months or so anyway, so it’s not like it’s going to suddenly fix everything.”

That makes Liverpool’s willingness to spend heavily particularly interesting. Iraola needs options now, and Liverpool are already attempting to complete a separate deal for Bradley Barcola.

Minteh therefore looks more like part of Liverpool’s longer-term restructuring of the attack than an immediate solution for the opening weeks of the campaign.

Photo: IMAGO

Ibrahim Mbaye Interest Appears to Fade

The Minteh pursuit also appears to have consequences for Liverpool’s interest in Ibrahim Mbaye.

Davis suggested that PSG’s asking price for Mbaye had increased significantly and asked whether that had contributed to Liverpool pivoting towards Minteh.

Steele replied: “I think that’s bang on. Yeah, I think exactly that.”

He continued: “Obviously Mbaye was linked what, three or four weeks ago now. I think the word was that they were just exploring the options and that was the case at the start of the Minty pursuit as well, but it feels like money-wise Minteh makes more sense to them, so I think that’s what they’ve decided to do.”

Recent reporting has similarly indicated that Minteh is now viewed as an alternative to Mbaye following Liverpool’s extensive scouting of the PSG youngster.

Steele Would Prioritise Midfield Signing

For all the discussion surrounding Minteh, Steele made his own preference clear.

“I think I would probably sack that off for now and sign a DM instead.”

That view followed Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Newcastle United, where Steele was particularly critical of the midfield structure.

Liverpool could therefore find themselves spending around £70million on a player who cannot immediately play while leaving Iraola without the specialist midfielder Steele believes the squad requires.

Minteh nevertheless appears to be a genuine target rather than simply a negotiating tactic. Liverpool have made two bids and, according to Steele, a third could soon follow.

With seven days remaining, the decision now sits with Liverpool.

Do they meet Brighton’s demands, walk away and pursue another winger, or redirect the money towards another area of Iraola’s squad?

As Steele said of Liverpool’s transfer strategy: “You never know. You can’t predict them at all.”