With less than 36 hours remaining until the transfer deadline, Liverpool is embarking on a frantic, late dash to bolster its attacking options, with ambitious moves for wingers Ismaila Sarr and Yankuba Minteh reportedly high on their agenda. These eleventh-hour pursuits could trigger a significant departure, potentially clearing the path for Cody Gakpo to complete an £85 million transfer to Premier League rivals Manchester City.
The Reds have already secured the marquee summer signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain, but the club’s struggles in the 2025-26 season and the recent exit of Mohamed Salah have evidently spurred a more aggressive approach to reinforce their forward line. Liverpool has started the current Premier League season with two draws, against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, highlighting an urgent need for offensive spark.
Sarr and Minteh targeted
Liverpool’s primary focus appears to be on Senegal international Ismaila Sarr. Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the club is in talks with Crystal Palace for the 28-year-old winger. According to GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs, Sarr is actively “pushing” Crystal Palace to facilitate a move to Anfield, indicating the player’s desire for the transfer. Liverpool reportedly prefers Sarr over other targets.
However, Sarr isn’t the only winger on Liverpool’s radar. Foot Mercato journalist El-Hadji Loum has claimed that Brighton star Yankuba Minteh is also a target. A deal for Minteh, however, is contingent on Liverpool’s budget, especially after Brighton reportedly rejected a £60 million bid for the player. Senior sports writer Charlie Parker-Turner previously lauded Minteh’s abilities in February 2025, tweeting: “Great win. Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh were simply unstoppable tonight. Georginio Rutter brings out the best in them both.”
Gakpo’s potential Manchester City move
The acquisition of another winger, or potentially two, would create the necessary space for Cody Gakpo to depart Anfield. The Dutch forward, who was once linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, now appears to be on the verge of joining Manchester City in a substantial £85 million deal. This complex web of transfers underscores Liverpool’s strategic intent to reshape its attack following a period of underperformance.
Should Liverpool succeed in landing both Sarr and Minteh, it would represent another significant financial outlay, potentially exceeding £100 million, on top of the Barcola signing. This aggressive spending spree highlights the club’s determination to address its offensive shortcomings and return to title contention after a challenging period.
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