Yankuba Minteh could receive quite the welcoming present if he ends up signing for Liverpool
Yankuba Minteh of Brighton and Hove Albion reacts after being taken off for a concussion substitute during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC
Yankuba Minteh is open to signing for Liverpool (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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Yankuba Minteh would have Mohamed Salah to thank if he's handed his dream number at Liverpool. The Reds tabled a £50million bid for the Brighton winger, which was swiftly rejected by the Seagulls.
The 22-year-old is currently recovering from surgery after suffering a right leg injury earlier this month in a friendly against Roma. Despite the issue likely ruling him out for two to three months, Andoni Iraola is targeting the Gambia international to bolster his attacking options.
Should Minteh complete a move to Anfield this summer, he'll do so with the opportunity to claim his favoured No. 11 shirt - the same number he currently wears for Brighton. The number has so far remained vacant since Salah departed the club at the end of the 2025/26 season.
Minteh initially wore No. 17 after signing for Brighton, but switched to No. 11 last season, after the departure of Simon Adingra to Sunderland. The only time he's ever worn the No. 11 prior to his move to England was briefly for Odense Boldklub Reserves.
The winger won't only succeed Salah in representing the number he made iconic but also by taking over his spot in the team. With the exception of Federico Chiesa, the Reds do not have a first-team right-winger on their books.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool appears emotional as he applauds the fans following his final appearance for the club during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Brentford at Anfield on May 24, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images)
Mohamed Salah's No. 11 shirt remains vacant at Liverpool(Image: Jack Thomas, Getty Images)
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According to sources with knowledge of the potential deal, Minteh is said to be keen on a move to Anfield if the two Premier League clubs can agree on a fee. However, Brighton are under no pressure to sell with the Gambian under contract until 2029.
He's scored nine goals and provided eight assists in 66 league games since his arrival at the AMEX Stadium in 2024. Minteh was first identified as a potential option for the Reds earlier this summer if they didn't sign Yan Diomande, who has since joined Real Madrid.
Other alternative signings included Matias Fernandez-Pardo of Lille and Koln's Said El Mala, with the latter having signed a new contract to extend his stay at the Bundesliga outfit. The Reds kick off their Premier League season on Sunday away to Newcastle United.
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Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh injured
Minteh is sidelined for eight weeks after getting injured against Roma earlier this month(Image: getty images)
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The lack of options on the right flank could lead Rio Ngumoha to start on opening day, with the 17-year-old having been tested at the position throughout pre-season. "All the coaching staff are just telling me to play my normal game really, whether that’s going inside or outside," the England star said during the US tour.
"I've been working on it in training anyway, playing on the right and the left. Just being unpredictable really. On from the end of last season, I just want to play and start as many games as I can. These games are a really good showcase to show the manager, because it’s a fresh start for everyone. It’s really important and it’s good."