By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Liverpool have suffered a setback in their search for a new wide attacker after Brighton & Hove Albion rejected a £50 million bid for Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh.
The Reds’ opening offer for the 22-year-old was turned down by Brighton, with Liverpool now weighing up their next move as new manager Andoni Iraola looks to add more firepower to his attack before the transfer window closes.
Minteh has emerged as one of Liverpool’s options to strengthen the right side of their attack following the departure of Mohamed Salah. The club have already signed Victor Muñoz but are still searching for additional attacking reinforcements, with Iraola keen to increase his options in the wide areas.
The interest in Minteh comes despite the winger currently being sidelined with a leg injury sustained during Brighton’s pre-season friendly against Roma. Reports indicate that he could be out for around eight weeks, adding an intriguing complication to Liverpool’s pursuit.
Minteh joined Brighton from Newcastle United for £30 million in July 2024 after an impressive loan campaign at Feyenoord. During his season in the Netherlands, he scored 10 goals in 27 league appearances and helped Feyenoord win the KNVB Cup.
At Brighton, the energetic winger has continued to develop, establishing himself primarily on the right flank. He scored nine Premier League goals in his first two seasons at the club and has become an important part of Brighton’s attacking setup.
His pace, direct running and willingness to attack defenders make him an attractive option for Liverpool as the club adjusts to life without Salah, who spent nine seasons at Anfield and became one of the most influential players in the club’s modern history.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Minteh also reflects the difficulty of replacing a player of Salah’s stature. The Reds have explored several possibilities in the transfer market, including Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, although PSG’s reported valuation of around £145 million has made that option considerably more expensive.
Minteh is reportedly open to the possibility of moving to Anfield, but Brighton’s rejection of the initial £50 million proposal means Liverpool would need to improve their offer if they are to persuade the Seagulls to part with the winger.
Brighton’s position is understandable given the circumstances. Minteh remains under contract until 2029, while the club have already lost several players during the transfer window. His long-term value and the difficulty of finding a replacement late in the window give Brighton considerable negotiating leverage.
For Liverpool, however, time is becoming increasingly important. Iraola inherited a squad undergoing significant change and is attempting to reshape the team around his high-energy, attacking philosophy. With the Premier League season about to begin, strengthening the wings has become one of the club’s pressing priorities.
