Pre-season is coming to a close, and Andoni Iraola will be hoping Liverpool can complete more transfer business as he prepares his squad for the 2026/27 campaign.
The Reds have recorded two wins and two defeats so far, with their final friendly against Como coming this weekend before they begin the season away to Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
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Liverpool have already signed Jeremy Jacquet, Victor Munoz and Ronald Araujo, but remain interested in adding more options out wide. Bradley Barcola remains a key target, while Ibrahim Mbaye and Brighton & Hove Albion winger Yankuba Minteh have also been considered as alternatives.
However, a move for Minteh could appear unlikely. The Athletic reports that Brighton are expected to be without Yankuba Minteh for two to three months due to a right-leg injury.
It remains unclear whether the damage suffered by the Gambia international during Saturday’s 3-0 friendly win over Roma will require surgery. However, Brighton have no plans to sign a replacement, with the 22-year-old expected to return in the autumn.
Minteh received lengthy treatment after being injured in a challenge with Roma captain Bryan Cristante early in the second half. Although he attempted to continue, it quickly became clear that he could not carry on.
The injury leaves Fabian Hurzeler without both of his first-choice wingers. Kaoru Mitoma is still recovering from hamstring surgery and has yet to feature in pre-season, with no clear return date.
Minteh and Mitoma have been Hurzeler’s preferred wide pairing, starting together in 45 league matches over the past two seasons.
Minteh has recorded nine goals and eight assists in 66 league appearances during that period, while Mitoma has contributed 13 goals and five assists in 61 matches.
There are still plenty of wingers in Brighton’s squad despite season-long loans for Brajan Gruda, Tommy Watson, Harry Howell and Rodrigo Rego.
New signing Zadok Johanna, along with Ibrahim Osman, Amario Cozier-Duberry and Nehemiah Oriola, are all promising young players. However, they lack the Premier League experience of Minteh and Mitoma.
With the transfer window open until September 1, Hurzeler still has options to rotate his squad, particularly with Brighton also competing in the Europa Conference League.
Brighton travel to Norwegian side Tromso for the first leg of their play-off next Thursday, before hosting Aston Villa in their Premier League opener three days later. The return leg against Tromsø follows on August 27.