Ben Jacobs: Liverpool interested in potential move for Premier League forward
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Liverpool Add Minteh to Winger Shortlist as Munoz Deal Shapes Next Move
Liverpool’s summer recruitment drive is beginning to reveal a clear pattern. Pace, directness and explosive attacking talent are at the centre of the club’s thinking as preparations continue for a new era at Anfield.
AdvertisementAdvertisementHaving already moved swiftly to secure a deal for Munoz, attention is now turning towards finding another wide forward capable of becoming a long-term attacking leader. According to reporting from GIVEMESPORT, Brighton winger Minteh has emerged as one of several names under consideration as Liverpool continue their pursuit of Yan Diomande.
The report, citing senior correspondent Ben Jacobs, suggests Liverpool have developed a shortlist containing multiple options should their preferred target prove difficult to secure.
Munoz arrival highlights Liverpool’s transfer strategy
Liverpool’s capture of Munoz has offered a significant clue about the profile of player the club wants to add this summer.
AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Spanish international arrives with a reputation for direct running, attacking intent and the ability to stretch opposition defences. Those qualities have become increasingly important as Liverpool reshape their forward line.
The need for reinforcements in wide areas has been evident for some time. While Liverpool retain considerable quality in attack, the club’s recruitment team appear determined to add greater athleticism and speed across the frontline.
Munoz is expected to strengthen the left side, but Liverpool are also searching for a player capable of operating from the right and eventually becoming a key figure in the attack.
That search has placed Yan Diomande firmly at the top of the club’s wishlist.
AdvertisementAdvertisementYan Diomande remains priority target
The strongest interest continues to centre on Yan Diomande, whose rise has attracted attention across Europe.
The young winger enjoyed a breakthrough season in Germany and has carried that momentum onto the international stage. His blend of acceleration, dribbling ability and attacking intelligence makes him one of the most exciting young wide players currently available.
According to the original source from GIVEMESPORT, Liverpool are actively working on a deal for the Ivory Coast international, although competition for his signature remains intense.
Speaking on GIVEMESPORT’s Market Madness podcast, Ben Jacobs outlined Liverpool’s current thinking in full.
AdvertisementAdvertisementHe said:
“Diomande is the preference. Diomande is the one that Liverpool are working on, and it could develop as a consequence, but if it isn’t to be Diomande, I can give you some other targets.
“One, as we’ve known for quite some time, is Bradley Barcola and PSG, if they win the race for Yan Diomande, may suddenly become open to selling Barcola, even though, as of now, their stance is basically not for sale. But it’s not impossible if another player comes in that PSG’s perspective changes.
“Then there are some new names I can give you on the Liverpool shortlist as well. Said El Mala is one at Koln, Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh is another, and Lillle’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo is a third name. All three of those players are also on Liverpool’s radar and have been discussed and presented to new manager Andoni Iraola.”
AdvertisementAdvertisementThose comments provide a revealing insight into the club’s contingency planning.
Minteh offers proven Premier League pace
Among the alternative options, Minteh stands out for one obvious reason. Unlike several of the other names under consideration, he has already demonstrated his quality in the Premier League.
The Brighton winger enjoyed an impressive campaign and established himself as one of the division’s most dangerous transition players. His speed has become one of his defining characteristics, with the Gambian international regularly ranking among the fastest players in England’s top flight.
AdvertisementAdvertisementDutch football writer Lentin Goodijk previously described Minteh as “lightning quick”, a description that aligns perfectly with Liverpool’s apparent recruitment focus.
For a side looking to increase attacking intensity and improve its ability to hurt opponents in open spaces, Minteh represents a logical option.
His age profile also fits Liverpool’s broader strategy of investing in players who can develop into elite performers over the coming years.
Pace profile points towards future direction
Whether Liverpool ultimately land Yan Diomande, turn to Minteh or pursue another target entirely, the underlying strategy is becoming increasingly clear.
Munoz, Diomande and Minteh all possess exceptional athletic qualities. Each can attack defenders one-on-one, carry the ball over long distances and create problems through sheer speed.
Modern football increasingly rewards teams capable of transitioning quickly from defence to attack, and Liverpool appear determined to build a forward line suited to those demands.
For now, Diomande remains the preferred option. However, the inclusion of Minteh on Liverpool’s shortlist demonstrates the thorough planning taking place behind the scenes as the club prepares for another important summer in the transfer market.
Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
