The Real Reason Andoni Iraola Is Supporting a Surprise £30m Brighton Flop as Liverpool’s Potential Mohamed Salah Replacement
Following a major setback in the transfer market, Andoni Iraola has turned his attention toward an unexpected candidate who could become the solution to Liverpool’s search for a new right-sided attacker. The club’s pursuit of a successor to Mohamed Salah has entered a new phase, with an unlikely Premier League redemption story beginning to emerge.
The emotional scenes surrounding Mohamed Salah’s farewell at Anfield in May marked the end of an era. The Egyptian forward leaves Liverpool not only as one of the greatest players in the club’s history but also as a modern-day legend who played a crucial role in delivering eight major trophies and cemented his legacy by becoming the third-highest goalscorer in Liverpool’s history.
Replacing a player who provided world-class numbers, consistency, leadership, and attacking brilliance from the right wing was always going to represent one of the most difficult challenges Liverpool have faced in recent memory. Salah’s departure created a huge gap that cannot be filled by simply signing any winger; the club needs a player capable of contributing goals, creativity, and tactical intelligence at the highest level.
Liverpool’s initial plans for the summer transfer window have already encountered a major obstacle. Their preferred target, Yan Diomande, has reportedly made it clear that his ambition is to join Paris Saint-Germain, leaving Liverpool to reconsider their options. With Diomande currently engaged in discussions with the French champions, Fenway Sports Group (FSG) and sporting director Richard Hughes have been forced to expand their search for alternative solutions.
Although PSG star Bradley Barcola remains one of the most attractive names on Liverpool’s shortlist, there are questions over his suitability because his strongest performances have traditionally come from the left wing — an area where Liverpool already possess considerable depth. As a result, Hughes has begun exploring other attacking profiles who could fit Liverpool’s future plans.
Why Yankuba Minteh Has Emerged as an Unexpected Option
While many supporters and media outlets continue to focus on higher-profile names such as Barcola, journalist David Lynch has suggested that Liverpool could take a more surprising route by considering Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh.
Speaking on the Anfield Index YouTube channel, Lynch discussed three young attacking players believed to be monitored by Liverpool: Matias Fernandez-Pardo of Lille, Said El Mala of Cologne, and Minteh of Brighton. Despite Minteh having the least impressive season statistically compared with the other two players, Lynch believes the Gambian winger may actually be the strongest tactical match for the style Liverpool could adopt under Andoni Iraola.
“I think of that trio that I know Liverpool are interested in — Fernandez-Pardo, El Mala, and Minteh,” Lynch explained. “The one I would probably lean toward, despite him having the least impressive season, is Minteh.”
The main reason behind this belief is Minteh’s specific playing profile. The 21-year-old fits a role Liverpool have historically valued: a naturally left-footed attacker operating from the right side, capable of cutting inside, creating chances, and attacking spaces behind defensive lines.
“Minteh is probably the better profile fit,” Lynch added. “He’s obviously a left-footer on the right-hand side and already has Premier League experience.”
How Iraola Could Unlock Minteh’s Potential
At first glance, Minteh’s numbers from the 2025/26 season do not immediately suggest that he is ready to replace a player of Salah’s magnitude. During his campaign at Brighton, the winger recorded only seven goal contributions — three goals and four assists — across 34 appearances.
However, Lynch believes those statistics do not accurately represent Minteh’s true ability. Instead, he argues that Brighton’s tactical structure may have limited the youngster’s attacking influence by forcing him to remain too wide rather than allowing him to move into dangerous central positions where he could make a greater impact.
“His output was not great last season,” Lynch admitted. “But I think Brighton’s style may have restricted him because he was often pushed very wide instead of getting into goalscoring areas.”
A move into Iraola’s system could potentially transform Minteh’s effectiveness. The Spanish coach is known for demanding intense pressing, aggressive transitions, and high-energy attacking football — qualities that align closely with Minteh’s strengths.
His pace, physical ability, willingness to defend, and relentless work rate could make him a valuable asset in a system that places significant importance on pressing from the front.
“I can easily see how his numbers would increase under an Iraola system,” Lynch said. “He works incredibly hard without the ball, and his defensive statistics are very impressive.”
Liverpool’s Search Continues Beyond Minteh
Despite the growing interest in Minteh, Lynch acknowledged that Liverpool’s situation remains complicated following Diomande’s decision to pursue a move elsewhere. The club would still prefer to secure an elite attacking option if possible, with Barcola remaining a highly desirable target.
“It is difficult because the options become limited,” Lynch explained. “That is why I still believe Liverpool should try everything possible to sign Barcola. But if they have to move further down their list, Minteh would be very high among my choices.”
Liverpool’s recruitment strategy under FSG has often involved identifying young players with significant potential rather than simply chasing established superstars. Minteh represents exactly that type of opportunity — a player whose current reputation may not match his future potential.
Meanwhile, sporting director Richard Hughes is continuing to explore multiple possibilities rather than relying on a single target. Reports suggest Liverpool are also monitoring another winger situation involving a player that Manchester United had previously believed was almost guaranteed to join them, highlighting the club’s willingness to move quickly in the market.
The rebuild following Salah’s departure was never expected to be straightforward. However, as the transfer window develops, Liverpool’s approach is becoming clearer: combine ambitious targets with smart recruitment decisions and identify players who can thrive within the tactical vision of the next era at Anfield.
