Yankuba Minteh has now been added to Liverpool’s summer options alongside Ibrahim Mbaye, but who would be the better signing?
With news breaking on Thursday that Brighton rejected a £50 million offer for Minteh, the Reds continue to look at new wingers.
Mo Salah‘s right-wing berth still hasn’t been filled – Rio Ngumoha has been used there in pre-season – while the Mbaye rumour has gone quiet.
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Liverpool expected to make improved bid for Yankuba Minteh
Bradley Barcola is seen as the solution for Liverpool on the left flank, but it will likely be Minteh or Mbaye on the opposite side.
Here’s a look at the Reds’ two wide targets.
Left-footed Minteh is Premier League-ready
Brighton and Hove Albion's Yankuba Minteh during the Premier League match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London. Picture date: Sunday May 25, 2025.
Brighton and Hove Albion's Yankuba Minteh during the Premier League match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London. Picture date: Sunday May 25, 2025.
Salah was renowned for his ability to cut inside onto his left foot and wreak havoc, and there is a clear comparison with Minteh in that respect – both Mbaye and Barcola are right-footed.
It is easy to see why his profile would appeal to Andoni Iraola, with the Gambian’s searing pace and directness akin to the wide players he had at Bournemouth.
Minteh remains a raw footballer,which is only natural at 22 years old, but he has also shown that he can be a huge threat in the Premier League, which is an immediate bonus.
End product is vital with any winger – Liverpool don’t need an Adama Traore on their hands! – but Minteh’s is healthy, if not yet elite.
He has 17 goal contributions in 66 Premier League appearances – nine goals and eight assists – and Liverpool have felt his wrath before.
Last season, Minteh completed both of his dribbles in Brighton‘s 2-1 win over the Reds at the Amex Stadium, also creating one big chance.
He averaged 2.4 dribbles per 90 mins in the league in 2025/26, according to FotMob, with only nine players faring better. The ever-impressive Ngumoha topped the pile with 4.9.
Minteh feels like a natural replacement for Salah stylistically and he is two years younger than the Liverpool legend was when he joined in 2017.
Don’t forget, there wasn’t huge fanfare either when Mo arrived either!
Patience may be required for Minteh to reach elite levels, but he could be a potent weapon immediately (well…once he’s back from his current injury).
Ibrahim Mbaye: The PSG “phenomenon”
Senegal's Ibrahim Mbaye (20) celebrates his side's first goal during the World Cup Group I soccer match between France and Senegal in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)
Senegal's Ibrahim Mbaye (20) celebrates his side's first goal during the World Cup Group I soccer match between France and Senegal in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)
If Minteh is still developing at 22, Mbaye is even rawer at four years his junior.
A prodigious talent who scored for Senegal against France at the 2026 World Cup, his international coach Pape Thiaw has made it clear how highly he rates him.
“His potential for improvement is enormous,” Thiaw said.
“He’s already won many trophies. At 17, I was playing in the Gambardella Cup. He’s a phenomenon who’s at an excellent club with a very good coach.”
Mbaye has been linked with a move to Liverpool for weeks now, and with PSG further adding to their wide options, he will be looking for a new challenge.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, April 13, 2026: Paris Saint-Germain's Ibrahim Mbaye (R) during a training session at Anfield ahead of the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg game between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain FC. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, April 13, 2026: Paris Saint-Germain's Ibrahim Mbaye (R) during a training session at Anfield ahead of the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg game between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain FC. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The Reds could be perfect in that respect, not guaranteeing him regular starts immediately, but giving him more chances to impress.
Unlike Minteh, Mbaye is a right-footed right winger, possessing speed and threat in one-on-one situations.
That could actually provide Liverpool with something different in terms of balance, but that may depend on where Iraola plans to use Ngumoha.
It’s not all positives with the 18-year-old, however, with reports in France citing attitude problems as an issue.
His physical condition has been questioned and he has been accused of repeatedly turning up late for training, but those close to him deny that.
These accusations may be overblown, though, and Liverpool’s recruitment team have surely studied him relentlessly.
Mbaye wouldn’t be a potential quick fix like Minteh, but he arguably has a higher ceiling.
Minteh or Mbaye: Who should Liverpool sign?
BRIGHTON & HOVE, ENGLAND - Saturday, March 21, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong (L) blocks Brighton & Hove Albion's Yankuba Minteh's cross during the FA Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Liverpool FC at the AMEX Community Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
BRIGHTON & HOVE, ENGLAND - Saturday, March 21, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong (L) blocks Brighton & Hove Albion's Yankuba Minteh's cross during the FA Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Liverpool FC at the AMEX Community Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Both Minteh and Mbaye would have their merits as signings for Liverpool with huge talent and bright futures.
The former has already shown he can be effective in the Premier League and would bring similar attributes to Salah.
But, as mentioned, Mbaye may have the larger capacity for growth, having already made 42 appearances for the reigning European champions, scoring and assisting four times apiece.
It may be that Liverpool’s approach for Minteh is simply a negotiating tactic regarding Mbaye, trying to force PSG into action.
Liverpool would be stronger for having either in their ranks, but ask 1,000 Liverpool fans their opinion and there could be a complete split.
Who knows, if Cody Gakpo moves to Tottenham, maybe the Reds could sign both!
Fulham v Brighton and Hove Albion – Premier League – Craven Cottage
Brighton and Hove Albion's Yankuba Minteh during the Premier League match at Craven Cottage, Fulham. Picture date: Saturday January 24, 2026.
LFC PL (1)
LFC PL (1)
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool FC v Leeds United FC
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Curtis Jones during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. Leeds won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)