Journalist David Ornstein has clarified the circumstances in which Cody Gakpo would be allowed to leave and revealed Liverpool are “weighing up” an alternative to Yankuba Minteh.
With Liverpool having to haggle on price for at least three wingers this summer, transfer business has been slow.
Having seen bids of £50 million and £60m rejected by Brighton for Minteh, journalist Ornstein said on TNT Sports that the Reds could look elsewhere:
“It definitely stands a chance (of happening), but if the numbers are not right for Liverpool I hear that they have another option that they’re weighing up and that they could pivot to.”
While Brighton want “in excess of” £70m plus add-ons, the Mail‘s Lewis Steele suggested on X that a deal could be done for £66 million.
“I’m not sure Liverpool want to go that far,” Ornstein said of the £70m price tag.
The identity of the alternative that Ornstein speaks about is unknown for now. It could be Ibrahim Mbaye, but it seems Paris Saint-Germain are also asking too much for their wingers.
Conditions for Cody Gakpo to leave Liverpool
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 24, 2026: Liverpool's Cody Gakpo during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 24, 2026: Liverpool's Cody Gakpo during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
At times, Liverpool’s approach to signing a winger has felt less than organised, pivoting between left and right-footers.
Ornstein has clarified their approach to some extent, saying explicitly that Liverpool are trying to sign both Bradley Barcola, who would play on the left, and Minteh to feature on the right.
Mbaye is a right-footer too, but with Victor Munoz, Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha all preferring the left flank, surely the PSG youngster would be primarily used on the right.
Ornstein said of Barcola: “Liverpool are prioritising him, no doubt about it.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, March 11, 2025: Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 2nd Leg match between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain FC at Anfield. The tie ended 1-1 on aggregate, PSG won 4-1 on penalties. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, March 11, 2025: Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 2nd Leg match between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain FC at Anfield. The tie ended 1-1 on aggregate, PSG won 4-1 on penalties. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“If they can get him in from PSG, then I think we’ll see Gakpo leave. If they don’t get him in, I think they’ll happily keep Gakpo – Iraola really likes him.
“It will all come down to the fee with PSG.”
The European champions’ desired fee of over £130m is deemed unrealistic, Liverpool having reportedly bid £98m earlier in the summer.
Earlier this week, Le Parisien claimed that PSG could now be willing to negotiate a deal below £128m after securing the signings of attackers Ferran Torres, Maghnes Akliouche and Mika Godts.
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool USA Tour Day 6 – Liverpool FC v Sunderland AFC
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool USA Tour Day 6 – Liverpool FC v Sunderland AFC
2XYPHHK FRANCEVILLE, GABON – JUNE 11: Yankuba Minteh of Gambia during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Gabon and Gambia at Stade De Francevil
2XYPHHK FRANCEVILLE, GABON - JUNE 11: Yankuba Minteh of Gambia during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Gabon and Gambia at Stade De Francevil
Yankuba Minteh of Brighton
JANUARY 19: Yankuba Minteh of Brighton and Hove Albion (Image: Mitchel Davidson/Alamy Live News)