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David Lynch Explains Why Yankubah Minteh Could Be Liverpool’s Alternative Winger Option

Liverpool’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements remains one of the biggest talking points of the summer, and while Bradley Barcola continues to dominate the headlines, Brighton winger Yankubah Minteh has also emerged as a player firmly on the club’s radar.

Speaking to Trev Downey on Anfield Index, David Lynch offered a measured assessment of Liverpool’s options should a move for Barcola fail to materialise. While he made it clear that the PSG forward remains his preferred choice, Minteh was the standout alternative among the next tier of targets.

“I think of that kind of trio that I definitely know that they’re interested in, in terms of Fernandez-Pardo, El Mala and Minteh,” Lynch explained.

That insight underlines the breadth of Liverpool’s scouting work as the club searches for a forward capable of strengthening Andoni Iraola’s new look attack.

Premier League Experience Counts

Although Minteh’s first season at Brighton did not produce spectacular numbers, Lynch believes there are several reasons why Liverpool continue to admire the Gambian international.

“I have to say the one I lean towards, and he probably had the least impressive season of the three actually, is probably Minteh,” he said.

Rather than focusing solely on goals and assists, Lynch highlighted the qualities that make Minteh an intriguing tactical fit.

“Minteh is probably a better profile fit, obviously a left footer on the right hand side, got Premier League experience.”

Those attributes could prove valuable for Liverpool. Having already adapted to English football, Minteh would require less adjustment than many overseas targets arriving from other European leagues.

More Than Goals and Assists

Lynch acknowledged that Minteh’s attacking output last season leaves room for improvement, but argued there are important tactical reasons behind those numbers.

“He didn’t have a great season last season in terms of output,” Lynch admitted.

However, he believes Brighton’s system placed different demands on the winger.

“I think the way Brighton play maybe hamstrings him a little bit. He’s very much pushed out quite wide rather than getting into goal scoring central positions.”

Instead, Lynch believes Liverpool’s tactical 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.”

His work without possession also caught Lynch’s attention.

“He also works incredibly hard off the ball. His defensive numbers are great.”

That combination of athleticism, pressing intensity and Premier League experience could make Minteh an attractive option for a Liverpool side expected to play with aggression both in and out of possession.

Photo: IMAGO

Barcola Remains First Choice

Despite his admiration for Minteh, Lynch repeatedly returned to the importance of signing a proven attacker capable of delivering immediate output.

“I think it’s tough pickings really,” he said when discussing Liverpool’s alternatives.

While he acknowledged Minteh’s potential, he also recognised the uncertainty involved.

“There’s a big leap for him to take and there are question marks over whether he can or not.”

That is why Lynch remains convinced Liverpool should continue pushing for Bradley Barcola if circumstances allow.

“That’s why I’m really wedded to the idea that you go and get Barcola if you can.”

Even so, Minteh remains firmly in Liverpool’s thinking. If circumstances in the market change, or if Liverpool decide to recruit multiple forwards this summer, the Brighton winger appears well placed to move further up the shortlist.

As Lynch concluded, “if they had to move down the list, I think he’d be quite high up for me.”

For Liverpool, that may prove increasingly significant as the summer transfer window develops.