Liverpool have £50m Yankuba Minteh bid rejected by Brighton
Brighton & Hove Albion have turned down a £50 million offer from Liverpool for injured winger Yankuba Minteh as the Reds look to bolster their attack.
Liverpool’s pursuit of a new right-sided winger hit a snag as Brighton & Hove Albion rejected a £50 million bid for Yankuba Minteh, the Gambia international who remains sidelined with a right leg injury. The rejection, confirmed by multiple outlets including The New York Times and lfclive.net, underscores the complexity of Liverpool’s summer transfer strategy as they seek to address gaps left by Mohamed Salah’s departure and reinforce their attacking options ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season.
Minteh, 22, sustained the injury during Brighton’s pre-season friendly against Roma on August 6, requiring surgery and an estimated eight-week recovery period. Sources indicate he will miss the start of the season, with some reports suggesting his return could extend into November if rehabilitation takes longer. Despite the injury, the winger is reported to be keen on a move to Anfield, according to lfclive.net and sportbible.com, though Brighton has not yet entertained further offers. The Seagulls, who hold a contract with Minteh until 2029, have emphasized their reluctance to sell the player unless a sufficiently lucrative deal is presented.
The rejected bid comes amid Liverpool’s broader efforts to bolster their attacking depth. Head coach Andoni Iraola has prioritized adding a “dream Mohamed Salah replacement,” as lfclive.net noted, with Minteh viewed as a potential fit due to his pace, dribbling ability, and Premier League experience. Since joining Brighton from Newcastle United in 2024 for £30 million, Minteh has scored nine goals and provided eight assists in 66 appearances, though his inconsistent finishing and reliance on individual flair have drawn mixed reviews. His versatility, having operated on both flanks, and his ability to press high up the pitch align with Iraola’s preferred style, according to The New York Times.
Brighton’s decision to reject the offer reflects their confidence in Minteh’s long-term value, despite his injury. The club has also been linked with a potential sale of Carlos Baleba to Manchester United, with reports suggesting a £60 million offer is close to finalization. This dynamic may influence Brighton’s stance on Minteh, as they balance financial considerations against retaining key players. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s interest in Minteh does not preclude other targets, with ongoing negotiations for Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye still underway, though significant gaps remain in valuation between the clubs.
The timing of Liverpool’s bid raises questions about their strategy. Signing an injured player ahead of the season is unconventional, but the club has framed the move as a long-term investment. sportbible.com noted that Iraola’s focus on “pressing from the front” and defensive discipline could benefit from Minteh’s physicality, despite his flaws. Brighton’s manager, Fabian Hurzeler, has acknowledged Minteh’s growth as a more reliable defender, a trait Liverpool may seek to leverage. However, the winger’s modest goal-scoring record — three goals and four assists in 34 Premier League games last season — leaves room for doubt about his immediate impact.
Liverpool’s transfer activity this summer has been relatively muted, with only Victor Munoz and Ronaldo Araujo added to the squad. The club’s reliance on Cody Gakpo, Victor Munoz, and Rio Ngumoha as their primary wide options has left Iraola seeking alternatives, particularly after Salah’s departure. The rejected bid for Minteh highlights the challenges of securing high-profile signings in a competitive market, where clubs like Manchester United and PSG hold significant leverage. As the transfer window nears its conclusion, Liverpool faces pressure to finalize deals that align with their ambitions for the 2026/27 campaign.
For now, the focus remains on Minteh’s recovery and the possibility of renewed negotiations. Brighton’s stance suggests they are not in a hurry to sell, but Liverpool’s interest in the winger, coupled with their need for attacking variety, could reignite talks if they adjust their approach. The outcome will depend on whether the Reds are willing to meet Brighton’s expectations or pivot to other targets, a decision that could shape the club’s trajectory in the coming season.
