£60m Premier League star could replace Mo Salah at Liverpool | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Forward Planning Intensifies As Minteh Links Grow

Liverpool’s long term succession plan for Mohamed Salah is beginning to take clearer shape, and the latest indication concerns a familiar name to Arne Slot. With the January window approaching and the club assessing their forward options, the notion of securing a future right sided attacker is again gaining momentum. Anfield Watch’s reporting outlines why Yakuba Minteh is firmly under consideration, and the logic behind it is easy to follow.

Minteh’s Profile And Slot’s Influence

The original article references comments from Football Insider, including Pete O’Rourke’s assessment that, “Minteh is a very exciting player, one of the most exciting players in the Premier League on his day.” Slot knows the Gambian winger from their time together at Feyenoord, and while the relationship alone cannot dictate recruitment, familiarity with a player’s development patterns, adaptability and mentality is a competitive advantage in an increasingly expensive market.

Liverpool have monitored Minteh since before his Brighton move, and as Anfield Watch highlight, “No surprise that maybe Liverpool are looking at him.” That sentiment reflects a broader strategic view inside the club. The right sided attacker slot will require refreshment in the next two seasons, even with Salah still delivering respectable numbers despite a dip in overall influence.

Photo: IMAGO

Succession Planning Around Salah’s Contract

Salah signed a two season extension only four months ago, but the structure of that deal is central to this discussion. He is under contract until 2027, and Liverpool must now weigh whether they retain him until expiry or consider a sale while his value remains tangible. The original piece notes that his “stats really aren’t that bad,” which is correct. His goal contributions still compare favourably with Europe’s elite wide forwards, however the drop in physical sharpness is visible and expectations remain enormous.

Slot must also balance short term competitiveness with long term squad evolution. Signing Minteh now, or even pre agreeing a future deal, would allow him to integrate gradually rather than being thrust into the full responsibility of replacing one of Liverpool’s greatest ever forwards.

Financial And Data Considerations

Brighton have placed a valuation between £60m and £70m on Minteh. That reflects age, Premier League exposure and trajectory, but it is still a significant figure for a player with limited elite data. Liverpool’s model would usually demand a stronger sample size before committing. As the article states, “His direct and high press style down the right-hand side of the pitch makes him a really potent forward,” and this alignment with Slot’s tactical demands is important, but not enough alone.

The next 12 to 18 months will be decisive. If Liverpool hold Salah until 2026, Minteh may rise further in value, but the club will also have clearer evidence of his consistency across multiple campaigns.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool supporters will look at this report with a mix of anticipation and caution. The idea of planning for life after Mohamed Salah is uncomfortable, but necessary, and the club must avoid reaching a crisis point where they are forced into a reactive signing. Minteh feels like the type of profile Liverpool would usually consider, particularly under a manager who already understands his strengths and developmental roadmap. Fans will appreciate that Slot has a clear vision for wide forwards, especially given how central pressing intensity and direct threat are to his game model.

Concerns will centre around the price tag. Supporters have seen Brighton extract premium fees for players who have only shown flashes at Premier League level. Liverpool’s recruitment success historically came from value signings who exploded under strong coaching. Minteh might fit that framework, but the fee will need to be backed by confidence from both football and data departments.

There is also the emotional element. Salah remains a generational figure and still delivers decisive moments. Many fans will feel he deserves the chance to complete his contract, but the team’s form, including Sunday’s 3-0 defeat at Man City, shows structural issues that could accelerate a rebuild. If Minteh is genuinely the preferred successor, supporters will want clarity, conviction and long term planning rather than opportunistic movement.