‘Issues’ arise in deal for ‘unpredictable’ star, Liverpool are in limbo

Richard Hughes is now in the final week of his Liverpool stint.

The sporting director spent the most money that the Reds had ever splashed on players last summer with many thinking that window would set them up for a good few years.

However, thanks to many different reasons, things just didn't click and now, it feels like Liverpool are even further behind their Premier League rivals than they were last term.

And, with there now being less than a week left of the summer transfer window, if changes aren't made soon, the Reds are going to be in some serious bother.

That's why links with so many players are now starting to emerge despite there not being much time left for deals to be done.

And, because the Reds are in such a time crunch, issues are also starting to arise in some deals which is throwing a spanner or two in the works.

'Issues' are starting to emerge in Liverpool's quest for Yankuba Minteh

Liverpool's attack is in desperate need of reinforcement.

The Anfield outfit lost Mohamed Salah and, with Hugo Ekitike out until the New Year, their attacking line is very weak.

That's why Yan Diomande, Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye have all been extensively linked with the Reds.

However, with deals for the three of them not being completed yet, Hughes' attention has been turned towards Yankuba Minteh.

With the Gambian out of action for at least the next three months, you'd think a deal would be fairly straight forward to agree but, in reality, that couldn't be further from the truth.

And now, thanks to an update from journalist Foday Manneh, a fresh insight into the move has been shared.

"Yankuba Minteh to Liverpool Saga; Brighton has not yet communicated their stance, and are still waiting to see Liverpool's next move with a possible decision tonight being crucial," he shared via X.

"Liverpool remains strongly in pursuit of the Gambian star winger. They are still considering their next move after deciding on Monday to carefully assess their approach to Brighton with still days to go in the window.

"A few issues arose but were addressed as well. The player is also still waiting for Liverpool's next move."

Yankuba Minteh would be a good signing for Liverpool in January, not this summer

On the face of things, Minteh would be a great signing for Liverpool.

He's a natural right-winger and he's already proven that he can hold his own in the Premier League.

The Gambian may not have been the most productive player in the world so far but, under Iraola, it feels like he could reach a new level.

However, since he's out injured for around three months, it's unclear whether he'll be able to get back to his best or not.

So, that's why Liverpool spending all that money on him now makes little to no sense, especially when they need someone to fit straight into their starting XI.

If the 'unpredictable' winger comes back from injury and looks like the same player, there's no reason why Liverpool couldn't go for him then instead.

That way, the risk of signing him is ruled out and the Reds won't waste any more money on players.

Here's hoping that a decision is made on their attack soon otherwise, some serious questions will need to be asked about Hughes' recruitment strategy this summer.