Liverpool are one of the best around at finding opportunities in the transfer market.
Although fans sometimes don’t necessarily agree with the strategy, the Reds usually steer clear of big names in the window.
Instead, Liverpool rely on smart scouting and the excellent data-led model implemented by Michael Edwards and his team.
With Edwards now back at Anfield, that is likely to be no different this summer. As Liverpool search for a new forward, we could well see a slightly surprise name arrive.
And according to reports on Friday evening, the Reds may now have spied an excellent unexpected chance to add some more firepower to Arne Slot’s team.
Liverpool express interest in Yankuba Minteh
Ever since it became clear that Slot was joining Liverpool from Feyenoord, there have been plenty of links with is former side.
The Reds looks set to add a couple of the Dutchman’s old team to their coaching staff, while players like Quinten Timber have been claimed to be of interest, too.
With Edwards running the show though, it seems unlikely that Slot will be allowed to simply raid his old club. That isn’t the way Liverpool work.
However, by slight coincidence, the 45-year-old coach could now end up with one of his players from last year in the Liverpool squad.
That’s because according to The Telegraph, Liverpool are one of the teams to have expressed an interest in Newcastle United winger Yankuba Minteh.
Minteh was on-loan with Slot at Feyenoord this season, for whom he scored 11 goals and provided five assists. This haul has reportedly led to parent club Newcastle being inundated with a ‘host of offers’ already this summer.
Although it’s unclear whether Liverpool are actually one of the teams bidding for Minteh, it is claimed that the Reds are thought to be one of the sides in the running.
As they battle to keep in line with the Premier League’s PSR rules, Newcastle will reportedly ‘reluctantly’ consider selling the 19-year-old for around £40m this summer.
Liverpool should take advantage of Minteh chance
There seems to be a very real chance that Liverpool could land themselves something of a coup here. Minteh was phenomenal for Slot’s Feyenoord this season and at 19 is a really impressive talent.
Clearly, Newcastle would not be looking to lose him unless they had to. But with the Magpies having little choice but to make a big sale, the chance to sign Minteh is unexpected.
Slot’s existing knowledge of the player could be the thing to tip the balance on this one.
The new head coach is obviously a big fan of Minteh, having excitedly called the Gambian ‘incredibly fast’ during their time together in Rotterdam [fr12.nl].
Obviously, the fee could still be a stumbling block. There feels to be little chance of Liverpool paying £40m for a teenager who’s still unproven in the Premier League.
But with Newcastle not exactly in the best bargaining position, maybe a deal could be struck.