Report: Arne Slot could be reunited with £60m-rated forward | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye Yankuba Minteh as Possible Successor to Mohamed Salah

Liverpool’s forward planning is once again under scrutiny as attention turns towards life after Mohamed Salah. According to a report by Fichajes, the Reds are exploring the possibility of bringing Yankuba Minteh to Anfield, with the Brighton winger emerging as a serious candidate to strengthen the right side of the attack.

At 33, Salah remains under contract until 2027, yet speculation around his future continues to grow. The Egyptian forward reportedly earns £400k per week, a figure that inevitably places his recent output under greater scrutiny. Interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer adds further intrigue as Liverpool evaluate the next stage of their attacking evolution under head coach Arne Slot.

Liverpool Succession Planning on Right Wing

Liverpool’s recruitment strategy often focuses on succession before decline becomes unavoidable. With Salah’s long term future uncertain, sporting director Richard Hughes and the club’s recruitment team are scanning the market for a forward capable of carrying the attacking mantle.

Minteh has emerged as one of the more compelling names. The Gambian international currently plays for Brighton & Hove Albion after joining from Newcastle United during the summer of 2024 amid the Magpies’ PSR related financial adjustments.

Photo: IMAGO

According to the report from Fichajes, Minteh has quickly moved into pole position as Liverpool assess potential targets.

“Yankuba Minteh ‘s name has emerged as the top priority to occupy the right wing of the Reds’ attack,” the report reads.

Arne Slot Connection Could Influence Transfer

One detail that adds credibility to the speculation is the established relationship between Slot and Minteh. The winger spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan at Feyenoord, where he worked directly under the Dutch coach before Slot’s eventual move to Anfield.

That connection may prove significant in any future negotiations.

“Arne Slot is intimately familiar with the African striker’s abilities, having managed him with remarkable success during his previous spell in the Netherlands.

“This personal connection between the manager and the player could be the key to unlocking a financially complex deal. During his time at Feyenoord, the winger proved to be a lethal weapon under the manager who now leads the British side.”

Minteh’s development during that season drew attention across Europe. His pace, direct running and instinct for attacking the back post fit the profile of a modern wide forward capable of stretching defensive lines.

Photo: IMAGO

Brighton Hold Strong Negotiating Position

Any potential deal would require a significant financial commitment. Brighton secured Minteh on a contract running until 2029, placing them in a position of considerable strength if interest from elite clubs intensifies.

Fichajes outlines the likely valuation.

“The selling club’s financial demands range between 70 and 80 million euros (£60m and £70m) to authorize the permanent transfer of the winger.”

Brighton have built a reputation for selling at the right moment and at the right price. Given Minteh’s age, trajectory and Premier League exposure, he fits the profile of a player who could eventually command a major transfer fee.

Liverpool’s shortlist reportedly includes several attacking options across Europe, yet Minteh’s familiarity with Slot’s tactical approach may give him a unique advantage should the club move decisively this summer.

For now, much depends on Salah’s next move. If Liverpool decide to cash in on their long serving talisman, the search for his successor will become one of the most significant transfer stories of the upcoming window.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

The Minteh links feel both logical and slightly surprising at the same time. Logical because of the Arne Slot connection and the profile of player Liverpool usually target. Surprising because replacing Mohamed Salah carries enormous weight and expectation.

Minteh clearly has exciting attributes. Anyone who watched his spell at Feyenoord saw a fearless winger who attacks space aggressively and finishes chances with confidence. That familiarity with Slot’s system could make the transition smoother than most new signings.

However, £60m to £70m represents a serious investment for a player still establishing himself at Premier League level. Brighton are excellent at selling players at peak value, which means Liverpool would need to be convinced that Minteh’s ceiling is significantly higher than what he has shown so far.

Liverpool supporters will also look at the wider context. Salah has defined the right wing at Anfield for nearly a decade, delivering elite numbers season after season. Replacing that output with a single signing may not be realistic. It may require a broader tactical shift under Slot, spreading goals across multiple attackers rather than relying heavily on one superstar.

Minteh could absolutely develop into a top player at Anfield, especially with a coach who already trusts him. Yet many fans will likely feel that Liverpool should explore several elite options before committing such a large fee.

If Salah does depart this summer, Liverpool’s recruitment team faces one of the most important decisions of the Slot era so far.