Liverpool’s search for new wingers has entered a decisive stage after a summer filled with ambitious approaches and frustrating negotiations.
Víctor Muñoz has already arrived from Osasuna for £34.5 million, but Liverpool still want more pace, creativity and goals before the window closes.
Bradley Barcola has remained their leading target throughout the summer.
PSG initially valued the France international at around £145 million, leaving a considerable gap between the clubs. However, reported talks held on Tuesday were described as positive, with growing optimism that an agreement could eventually be found.
The strong relationship between the Liverpool and PSG hierarchies could help negotiations, although a deal of that size would still require significant compromise.
Liverpool have also considered Barcola’s teammate Ibrahim Mbaye, and Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh had emerged as the preferred option for the right side.
Liverpool submitted an opening offer worth £50 million before returning with an improved £60 million package. Brighton rejected both approaches and made it clear that the winger would not leave cheaply.
|
Yankuba Minteh’s all-time stats for Brighton |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Competition |
Appearances |
Goals |
Assists |
Goal involvements |
|
Premier League |
66 |
9 |
8 |
17 |
|
FA Cup |
5 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
EFL Cup |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
All competitions |
73 |
10 |
9 |
19 |
The Seagulls have now placed an £80 million valuation on Minteh, who is currently recovering from a leg injury and is not expected to return until October.
Liverpool are not planning a third bid unless Brighton lower their demands, meaning that particular deal has effectively stalled.
That impasse has forced the Reds to accelerate discussions over another Premier League winger.
Liverpool see £50m bid for Crystal Palace star Ismaïla Sarr rejected
Journalist Foday Manneh reports that Crystal Palace have rejected a £50 million Liverpool bid for Ismaïla Sarr.
He claims Liverpool’s admiration for Sarr stretches back to his Watford spell, when the club explored signing him in 2020 without completing a deal, despite being ‘close’ to striking an agreement for the Senegal international at the time before the move collapsed.
Further reporting from Fabrizio Romano supports the central point of the story, with Sarr interested in moving to Anfield.
There is some disagreement over whether that proposal has been registered as a formal bid. TalkSPORT, for instance, reports that discussions have begun but Palace have not yet received an official offer.
What appears clear is that Palace do not want to lose him.
The Eagles have already rejected two Galatasaray approaches and regard Sarr as an important part of Pierre Sage’s team. He also has three years remaining on his contract, placing Palace in a strong negotiating position.
Sarr would offer Liverpool an experienced and direct option on the right.
He understands the Premier League, enjoyed a fantastic 25/26 campaign and could provide immediate cover while Liverpool continue trying to find a breakthrough for Barcola.
However, Palace have little reason to accept £50 million so late in the window, so Liverpool may therefore need to improve their offer quickly or move on to another alternative.
