What Yankuba Minteh did on international duty proves exactly why Liverpool must make £40m transfer

Amid new Liverpool transfer links, Yankuba Minteh has kept up his red-hot form by getting on the scoresheet in World Cup qualifying with Gambia.

Earlier this week, it was reported that Liverpool could seek to capitalise on Newcastle United's financial situation by swooping for the 19-year-old, who was on loan to Arne Slot's Feyenoord during the 2023/24 campaign. Under the Dutchman, he featured 27 times, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists.

A reunion is certainly an exciting prospect, especially after seeing the winger's latest goalscoring appearance, which was a landmark occasion and his first on the international stage.

READ MORE: Alexis Mac Allister makes major Liverpool future claim after transfer interest

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp spotted with Brendan Rodgers in surprise Liverpool meeting

The Scorpions, who had lost their two prior qualifiers, finally got off the mark with a resounding 5-1 win over Seychelles on Saturday. Minteh was fed through by team-mate Musa Barrow to slot the third of those winning strikes into the net.

Minteh was utilised in his familiar right-wing berth, the same position he would be expected to earn over time should he complete the switch to Anfield. His ability to cut inside on his stronger left foot has been likened to Mohamed Salah's trademark movement and finishing during the Egyptian's seven years on Merseyside.

However, it could be said that the Gambian's latest strike proves something entirely different. As seen above, his finishing ability at such a young age extends to the left flank, having tucked in first-time at the near post beyond Seychelles' Ian Ah-Kong.

Therefore, instead of being the being the successor to Mohamed Salah, perhaps he is more the Sadio Mane 'replacement' that supporters have been wishing for since the Senegalese' exit two years ago. The Reds' ex-No.10 also possessed the versatility to play on both flanks and through the centre, and Minteh could claim to do the same if given the opportunity.

As further proof of his constant threat, via Fbref.com over the last 365 days, the Newcastle youngster ranks in the 99th percentile among attacking midfielders and wingers for non-penalty goals, progressive passes received, progressive carries, successful take-ons and touches in the opposition penalty box.

As Newcastle would reportedly reluctantly sell to ease their PSR fears, it is said Minteh would cost Liverpool in the region of £40m.