Liverpool concluded their summer transfer window without further additions after failing in late-stage attempts to sign Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh and Chelsea defender Malo Gusto. Despite late efforts to reinforce his squad, manager Andoni Iraola remained without the attacking depth he sought on the right flank, while negotiations for Gusto collapsed due to a fundamental disagreement on the proposed transfer structure.
The deadlock over Minteh and the Gakpo factor
Liverpool’s pursuit of the 22-year-old Gambian international Yankuba Minteh ultimately stalled due to Brighton & Hove Albion’s strict financial stance. Brighton maintained an £80m valuation for the winger, a figure Liverpool were unwilling to meet, having previously seen a £50m bid rejected on August 20. Reports from talkSPORT indicate that while the player’s representatives remained hopeful of a move on deadline day, Liverpool officials clarified that their business for the window was effectively concluded. The decision to retain Cody Gakpo, despite rumours of his departure, solidified the club's position, leaving Iraola to rely on his existing attacking options.
Failed approach for Chelsea's Malo Gusto
In addition to the forward search, Liverpool attempted an ambitious last-minute loan move for Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto, 23. According to reporting from CaughtOffside and corroborated by Goal, the structure of the deal proved to be the sticking point. Liverpool favoured a season-long loan arrangement to provide cover for Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong, but Chelsea insisted on a permanent transfer, valuing the defender at approximately £75m. This valuation and the demand for a permanent exit rendered the deal unfeasible for the Anfield club. This failure leaves the Liverpool squad with the current rotation at right-back as they head into the new campaign, having previously bolstered their attack with the signing of Bradley Barcola earlier in the window.
