Liverpool have made an opening move for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh, but their reported £50m offer has been rejected as the Premier League champions continue searching for attacking reinforcements.
The 22-year-old Gambia international has emerged as one of the players Liverpool are considering as they look to strengthen their options in wide areas during the final stages of the transfer window.
Brighton’s rejection indicates that a significant gap may remain between the clubs over Minteh’s valuation.
Minteh Has Established Himself at Brighton
Minteh joined Brighton from Newcastle in 2024 in a deal worth £30m and has since become an important attacking option for the Seagulls.
Primarily deployed on the right wing, the Gambian has recorded 10 goals and nine assists in 73 appearances for the club.
His pace, direct running and ability to contribute in the final third have made him an attractive option for Liverpool as they reshape their attacking department.
Injury Adds Complication to Transfer Situation
Minteh is currently recovering from a leg injury sustained during Brighton’s friendly against Roma earlier this month.
The setback means that any potential move would come while the winger is working his way back to full fitness.
Nevertheless, Liverpool’s interest suggests the injury has not prevented the club from considering him as part of their plans for the remainder of the transfer window.
Liverpool Need More Options Out Wide
Manager Andoni Iraola has made strengthening Liverpool’s wide attacking options a priority following the departure of Mohamed Salah.
The Reds are therefore continuing to assess several potential targets rather than relying on a single candidate.
Liverpool have already strengthened their attacking ranks this summer with the £34m signing of Victor Munoz from Osasuna.
Munoz is capable of operating both as a winger and through the centre, giving Liverpool additional flexibility across the forward line.
Bradley Barcola Remains a Major Target
Despite their approach for Minteh, Liverpool’s interest in Paris St-Germain winger Bradley Barcola remains significant.
The 23-year-old France international is understood to be open to a move to Anfield, but negotiations are complicated by a major disagreement over his valuation.
PSG are reportedly seeking a fee of around £145m for Barcola, while Liverpool would be more comfortable reaching an agreement closer to £100m.
The substantial difference means Liverpool face an important decision over whether to increase their offer or concentrate on alternative targets.
Brighton Hold Strong Position Over Minteh
Brighton’s decision to reject £50m demonstrates that the club is not immediately prepared to part with Minteh for Liverpool’s opening proposal.
Having signed the winger for £30m two years ago, Brighton would stand to make a sizeable profit from a potential sale.
However, with Minteh still under contract and viewed as an important part of the squad, the Seagulls are in a position to demand a substantial premium if Liverpool return with an improved bid.
Reds Continue to Assess the Market
Liverpool are expected to continue exploring the transfer market as the window approaches its conclusion.
The rejection of their Minteh proposal does not necessarily mean negotiations are over, but the club will also be assessing other possibilities while considering the financial demands attached to each target.
The situation surrounding Barcola could be particularly influential, given the huge gap between PSG’s valuation and Liverpool’s preferred price.
What Happens Next?
Liverpool must now decide whether Minteh is worth pursuing with a substantially improved offer or whether the club should shift its focus towards another attacking target.
Brighton’s response has established a starting point for any further discussions, while Minteh’s recovery from injury will also be monitored.
At the same time, Liverpool will continue weighing up the possibility of making a major investment in Barcola, although PSG’s £145m valuation remains considerably above the Reds’ reported £100m comfort zone.
Summary
Liverpool have seen a £50m bid for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh rejected as they search for attacking reinforcements following Mohamed Salah’s departure.
Minteh, 22, has scored 10 goals and registered nine assists in 73 appearances for Brighton since joining from Newcastle for £30m in 2024.
Liverpool have already signed Victor Munoz for £34m but want further options in wide areas.
PSG winger Bradley Barcola remains a priority, although a major valuation gap between the French club and Liverpool currently stands in the way of a deal.
