Liverpool's Transfer Window Challenges and Signings
Andoni Iraola feels the strain now. This is what it means to steer Liverpool through a transfer window that never quite matches the wishlist.
A summer that began with promise ended with tension, near-misses and a glaring vacancy on the right wing where Mohamed Salah once terrorised defences. Iraola, 43, still emerged with three new first‑team signings – Victor Munoz, Ronald Araujo and Bradley Barcola – plus the long‑planned arrival of Jeremy Jacquet, a deal agreed under Arne Slot.
It was business, but not the complete rebuild many expected.
Minteh chase not over
The big swing came on the right flank. Yankuba Minteh was earmarked as the man to step into Salah’s shadow. Liverpool pushed hard. Brighton pushed back harder.
Two bids went in: £50 million, then £60m. Both were rejected. The 22-year-old stayed at the Amex, the Seagulls standing firm as the window ticked towards its close.
That appeared to be that. Then a crack of light.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, just 33 but already unflinching in his public stance, offered a hint that the story is not finished. Speaking about Minteh’s future, he said: “If the whole team is successful and the individual shines then Yankuba will get a lot of attention again and he can then maybe fulfil his dream in the next transfer window.”
For Iraola and Liverpool, those words matter. They suggest January could reopen a door that seemed slammed shut a few weeks ago. Minteh remains a Brighton player, yet his own ambitions – and Hurzeler’s choice of language – keep Liverpool’s interest alive.
New forward secured after the deadline
Just as frustration over Barcola’s drawn-out move and the Deadline Day scramble threatened to sour the mood, Liverpool quietly landed another forward.
After the September 1 cut-off, the club announced an agreement to sign Djylian N'Guessan from Saint-Etienne. The deal, confirmed on Friday, will see the 18-year-old join permanently in January for around £4.3m.
He will not arrive on Merseyside straight away. Liverpool have already mapped out his next step, sending him on loan to Ligue 1 side Stade Brestois for the 2026/27 campaign as part of a longer-term plan.
N'Guessan is still at the start of his career. Thirteen appearances for Saint-Etienne, one goal. Seven caps for France at the U20 World Cup last year, where they finished fourth. It is a profile Liverpool know well: young, tested on a big youth stage, yet far from the finished article.
For now, Iraola must juggle what he has. Munoz, Araujo, Barcola and Jacquet give him fresh options. N'Guessan is banked for the future. Minteh remains the missing piece.
January will tell whether this window was a frustrating prelude or the foundation of something sharper.
