Extraordinarily fast winger confirms he's ready to join Liverpool

Liverpool’s pursuit of genuine width this summer may have found its answer in the form of Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh, who after tormenting the Reds on Sunday declared himself ready for a move to Anfield and a reunion with former Feyenoord coach Arne Slot.

Slot’s current attacking unit, while prolific, has developed a pronounced imbalance. Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo, nominally stationed wide, habitually drift inside to operate as inside-forwards, compressing central lanes and allowing opponents to defend narrowly. The only natural touchline-hugger on the books, 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha, is deemed too raw to shoulder the responsibility week in, week out.

Minteh, 20, showcased every attribute Liverpool lack during Brighton’s weekend victory. Matched up against Bundesliga sprint champion Jeremie Frimpong, the Gambian repeatedly burned the Dutch defender in behind before tracking back at full throttle to stifle the Bayer Leverkusen loanee’s own forays forward. His lung-busting two-way display produced the decisive moment: a pinpoint, outside-of-the-boot cross that Jack Hinshelwood converted for the winner.

The winger’s willingness to maintain width, combined with a league-leading number of sprints per 90 minutes, addresses Slot’s public lament that he currently has no “Jacob Murphy profile” to stretch defences and create space for central threats such as Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike. Minteh’s post-match admission that he is “ready for that step” signals a concrete opportunity for Liverpool to correct the tactical asymmetry that has hampered their fluidity this season.

With the transfer window approaching, Brighton’s dynamo has placed himself firmly on Liverpool’s shortlist, offering pace, industry and the directness Anfield has been missing.