BREAKING: Real reason Liverpool chose Minteh over Mbaye revealed as Romano confirms deal
Liverpool is making significant strides in its effort to bolster its attack, with Yankuba Minteh emerging as the preferred choice over Ibrahim Mbaye.
According to the latest updates, Liverpool has reached a verbal agreement on personal terms with Minteh after the Gambian player bought into the club’s project. Fabrizio Romano confirmed this news, noting that while Brighton rejected a £60 million offer, negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing.
This raises a key question: Why is Liverpool leaning towards Minteh rather than Ibrahim Mbaye?
Minteh offers exactly what Liverpool needs
Experience is a crucial factor.
Minteh has played in the Premier League for Brighton and was previously on Newcastle’s books. Consequently, the 22-year-old is well-versed in the pace, physicality, and competitive nature of England’s top flight.
In contrast, Mbaye is just 18 years old and still developing. Although highly rated at PSG, he lacks comparable experience in the Premier League environment.
Liverpool currently requires a player capable of quickly adapting to first-team demands—especially following Mohamed Salah’s departure. This makes Minteh a more attractive short-term option.
Pace and right-wing capability are major assets
Minteh can operate on the right flank, an area where Liverpool specifically needs reinforcements.
Following Salah’s exit, Liverpool has been seeking a player who can provide depth and a creative spark in that position. Minteh possesses pace, dribbling ability, and a direct attacking style—qualities that suit a team looking to execute quick transitions.
Liverpool has already signed Victor Muñoz but remains keen to further strengthen its attacking options. Manager Andoni Iraola has previously stated that the club hopes to sign more than one winger during this transfer window.
Ibrahim Mbaye was a serious target.
Notably, Liverpool viewed Mbaye as a significant prospect.
In recent weeks, the club came close to reaching an agreement with the young PSG player. Reports even suggested that Liverpool had agreed on a five-year contract with Mbaye, and the player reportedly preferred Liverpool over other offers.
However, the deal subsequently became more complicated.
Fabrizio Romano reported that the move for Mbaye to Liverpool was “off,” while negotiations with PSG continued regarding other targets.
This opened the door for Minteh to return to the forefront of Liverpool’s plans.
Has Romano confirmed Liverpool has “chosen” Minteh?
One point needs clarification.
Current information does not indicate that Liverpool has finalized the deal for Minteh.
Romano confirmed that Liverpool submitted a £60 million bid and that Minteh agreed to personal terms in principle. However, Brighton rejected this price, meaning the two clubs must continue negotiations.
Therefore, the phrase “deal confirmed” should be interpreted with caution: while significant progress has been made regarding personal terms, the final agreement between Liverpool and Brighton has not yet been concluded.
Brighton is unwilling to sell cheaply.
Brighton holds a strong position in the negotiations.
Liverpool reportedly submitted an initial bid of around £50 million, which was rejected. The Merseyside club subsequently raised the offer to £60 million, but Brighton still did not accept.
This demonstrates that Brighton fully understands Minteh’s value and is under no pressure to sell the player at any cost. Liverpool may therefore need to submit a new offer if they genuinely want to bring the Gambian forward to Anfield.
Minteh is not the only option
Another noteworthy detail: Romano has indicated that Minteh is not necessarily viewed as a direct replacement for Bradley Barcola.
Liverpool still regards Barcola as a top target, whereas Minteh could be seen as an additional signing to bolster their attacking ranks.
This suggests that Liverpool might be aiming to add multiple wingers rather than simply seeking a replacement for Salah.
If the plan succeeds, Liverpool’s attack for the new season will benefit from a wider range of options regarding pace, dribbling ability, and tactical approaches.
From Mbaye to Minteh: Is Liverpool shifting its strategy?
The situations surrounding Minteh and Mbaye highlight the choice Liverpool faces between long-term potential and immediate impact.
Mbaye is a highly promising young talent with the potential to become a future star. However, Minteh holds advantages in terms of age, Premier League experience, and the ability to adapt more quickly.
Given Liverpool’s need to rapidly strengthen their attack, these factors may have made Minteh the more attractive option.
Nevertheless, it is too early to say that Liverpool has officially finalized the deal for Minteh. Brighton has yet to accept the £60 million offer, and negotiations are ongoing.
However, one thing has become clear: Yankuba Minteh has said “yes” to Liverpool, and if the two clubs can reach an agreement on the fee, the Gambian player could become one of Liverpool’s most notable signings of the 2026 summer transfer window.
Negotiations remain intense, therefore—and for Liverpool, the big question is no longer “Does Minteh want to come to Anfield?” but rather “How much does Brighton want in order to say yes?”
