The Merseyside club are still hoping to complete several new arrivals before the transfer window shuts at 11pm on September 1, with one target on their wanted list carrying a price tag exceeding £70million.
Anfield officials have reportedly reached personal agreement terms with Yankuba Minteh as negotiations with Brighton continue. The south coast outfit have rejected two offers thought to be worth around £50million and £60million, maintaining their valuation of the player surpasses £70million.
The 22-year-old Gambian international has emerged as a priority target for the club after being identified as one of several attacking options when drawing up their summer shopping list. Yan Diomande was also on that initial shortlist before his move to the Spanish capital.
Liverpool also retain strong interest in Bradley Barcola, with Paris Saint-Germain reportedly seeking between £130-140million for the French forward.
Their efforts to sign Minteh appear to have cooled any potential move for Ibrahim Mbaye. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that discussions have taken place with the player’s representatives after personal terms were already settled. The winger is understood to harbour ambitions of an Anfield switch, with another bid expected to be lodged shortly.
In an interview, Minteh expressed his career aspirations, stating his lifelong conviction that he would eventually represent one of the world’s elite clubs. He explained that his ideal destination would be any major institution, as all professionals aspire to compete at the highest level. He added that Liverpool represents the club best suited to his abilities.
During Friday’s press conference, manager Andoni Iraola discussed the recruitment strategy, noting that the wing positions remain the primary focus due to insufficient specialist options in those areas. He indicated that other roles would require careful market evaluation to identify genuine upgrades. The Spanish coach emphasised that signing players simply for the sake of filling positions was not the objective; instead, any acquisition must elevate the existing group. He acknowledged the quality already present within the squad, suggesting that meaningful improvements would require a particular calibre of recruit.
When pressed specifically about the two wing targets, the head coach responded that discussing players under contract elsewhere was not possible, though he understood the curiosity.