Paris Saint-Germain are exploring a late attempt to hijack Real Madrid’s move for Yankuba Minteh, with intermediaries close to the French champions testing whether the deal can be wrestled away at the final moment, according to reports in France.
Real Madrid remain locked in negotiations with RB Leipzig over the transfer of the 19-year-old winger, but no final agreement has yet been struck between the two clubs. That delay has encouraged figures linked to PSG to re-enter the picture and assess whether there is still scope for a dramatic twist.
Le Parisien-based daily L’Equipe reports that Minteh, who has already agreed personal terms with Real Madrid on a five-year contract worth between €50m and €55m, was present at Leipzig training on Tuesday, underlining that the transfer is not yet complete at club level.
The newspaper asks whether “the Yankuba Minteh saga” is really over, stressing that while the Gambia international appears close to Real Madrid, the absence of a signed agreement between the Spanish and German sides leaves a slim window of opportunity for PSG.
PSG rethink after Barcola uncertainty
L’Equipe says PSG’s thinking has shifted as the likelihood of Bradley Barcola joining Liverpool has increased, leaving the French champions with fresh motivation to re-open the Minteh file.
With Barcola now seen as increasingly likely to move to Anfield, PSG are understood to view Minteh as a potential alternative to reinforce their attacking options, and believe this development provides “new arguments” to justify another push.
PSG had officially announced, via a press release, that they were withdrawing from the race for Minteh. However, the club are said to be acutely aware internally that the player has long been drawn to their project.
According to L’Equipe, several members of Minteh’s family support PSG, and the prospect of working under coach Luis Enrique is described as particularly appealing to the youngster. Interest from other clubs has also surged in recent days, driving up the asking price and further complicating any deal.
Intermediaries test scope for late intervention
The report adds that, in recent hours, new intermediaries believed to be “much closer” to PSG have attempted to “put things back on track” by re-establishing contact over a possible transfer.
L’Equipe describes these efforts as an attempt to gauge whether there is room for a final “Parisian offensive” and suggests that the idea of a last-ditch move from PSG “gained credibility” on Tuesday.
However, any such intervention is said to be entirely contingent on Real Madrid failing to conclude their agreement with Leipzig. If the Spanish club finalise terms with the Bundesliga side, PSG’s hopes of reviving the deal will effectively disappear.
For now, Minteh remains a Leipzig player, training with the German club while Real Madrid and PSG circle in the background, amid a transfer saga that appears not quite as settled as it once seemed.
