What Yankuba Minteh has done on international duty proves exactly why Liverpool need to make a £40m move

Amid fresh transfer links from Liverpool, Yankuba Minteh kept up his red-hot form by getting on the scoresheet in World Cup qualifiers with Gambia.

It was reported earlier this week that Liverpool could look to capitalize on Newcastle United’s financial situation by targeting the 19-year-old, who has been loaned to Feyenoord from Arne Slot during the 2023/24 campaign. Under the Dutchman, he played 27 times, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists.

A reunion is certainly an exciting prospect, especially after seeing the winger’s latest goalscoring appearance, which was a landmark occasion and his first on the international stage.

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The Scorpions, who had lost their previous two qualifiers, finally emerged with a resounding 5-1 win over Seychelles on Saturday. Minteh was fed by teammate Musa Barrow to put the third of those game-winners into the net.

Minteh was used in his familiar right-back spot, the same position he would be expected to land in time should he complete his move to Anfield. His ability to cut inside with his stronger left foot has been likened to Mohamed Salah’s signature movement and finishing during the Egyptian’s seven years on Merseyside.

However, the Gambian’s latest strike could be said to prove something quite different. As seen above, his finishing ability at such a young age extends down the left flank as he first slotted in at the near post beyond Seychelles’ Ian Ah-Kong.

Therefore, rather than being Mohamed Salah’s successor, perhaps he is more of the Sadio Mane ‘replacement’ that supporters have been wanting since the Senegalese’s exit two years ago. The former Reds No.10 also had the versatility to play on both flanks and through the middle, and Minteh could claim to do the same if given the opportunity.

As further evidence of his constant threat, via Fbref.com over the last 365 days, the Newcastle youngster ranks in the 99th percentile among attacking and inside midfielders for goals without penalties, progressive passes received, progressive carries, successful take-ons and touches. in the penalty box of the opposition.

With Newcastle reluctantly selling to ease their PSR fears, Minteh is said to cost Liverpool around £40m.