After Barcola: Liverpool internally discussing £80m signing at Iraola’s request

Liverpool’s pursuit of Yankuba Minteh is not totally dead in the water.

Journalist Foday Manneh reported on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday afternoon that the Gambian international has re-entered the Reds’ thinking, with the club struggling to find alternatives.

This would certainly become a more viable option if Brighton opt to lower their price tag.

<

(Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

The player could be more easily sold, provided that a replacement is sourced ahead of the deadline on September 1.

But that’ll be easier said than done. And in the meantime, Palace are absolutely insistent that they don’t want to sanction the sale of another key man after losing Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea.

Want more Empire of the Kop coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust

Either way, this all seems to be pointing to one inevitable course of action: Liverpool being forced to overpay to secure a right-sided winger this summer.

<

(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Look, we don’t mind Liverpool playing the market and seeing where they land with regard to Yankuba Minteh’s asking price.

But if it becomes clear that the Seagulls just aren’t going to sign a replacement in time, we’re not sure Liverpool can get away with abandoning the Gambian altogether. Not without a suitable alternative of their own to pivot to.

While we hear that there are other names on the list beyond Sarr, Minteh and Ibrahim Mbaye, it’s interesting that it seems to be this trio that reports repeatedly focus on days before the deadline.

We may have other names we admire, but these three seem to be right at the top of our shortlist.

In that case, we know Mbaye is available around the £60m mark, Minthe is gettable at £80m and one might reasonably suspect it will take a bid in excess of £60m to force Crystal Palace’s hands for Sarr.

It might just be time to overpay a little, Reds.

After Barcola: Liverpool internally discussing £80m signing at Iraola’s request

Journo chief hints Liverpool could hijack Chelsea transfer late in the window

Arne Slot and the Second Season: What Changed in Liverpool’s Game?