Brighton Demand £70m as Liverpool Consider Fresh Yankuba Minteh Move
Brighton have made clear that Yankuba Minteh remains their player as Liverpool weigh a renewed move for the injured winger, with the Seagulls understood to want about £70 million for any sale.
Brighton set their position on Minteh
Liverpool saw proposals of £50m and £60m rejected during their attempt to replace Mohamed Salah, who left Merseyside on a free transfer in the final year of his deal. Brighton’s valuation is closer to £70m, and they have no intention of allowing a key asset to leave below their price.
Minteh has not played for Fabian Hurzeler’s team in the 2026-27 campaign after undergoing surgery on an ankle problem sustained in pre-season. The 22-year-old joined Brighton from Newcastle for £30m in the summer of 2024 and has produced 10 goals in 73 appearances.
Hurzeler has urged the Gambian international to focus on Brighton, saying the player can earn fresh transfer attention by helping the team succeed. The manager stressed that Minteh has spent two years with the squad, wears the club badge and must now show his commitment.
- Liverpool bids rejected: £50m and £60m
- Brighton’s reported asking price: around £70m
- Brighton signing fee in 2024: £30m
- Minteh record for Brighton: 10 goals in 73 matches
- Current issue: ankle injury requiring an operation
Liverpool’s right-wing search continues
Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool have already reshaped their forward options following Salah’s departure. Victor Munoz arrived from Osasuna, while Champions League winner Bradley Barcola joined from Paris Saint-Germain in a £123m deal.
Those recruits, however, are naturally more comfortable on the left, where Cody Gakpo and teenager Rio Ngumoha are also options. Liverpool have therefore looked for a direct right-sided attacker capable of supplying the box and carrying a major creative burden.
Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr was also targeted during that search. Minteh remains an obvious fit because of his pace, direct running and Premier League experience, but Brighton’s stance means Liverpool would need to increase their offer substantially.
January could bring another approach
A January return for Minteh remains possible if Liverpool’s need on the right persists. Former Brighton striker Bobby Zamora believes the winger’s profile would suit Liverpool, but warned that the selling club will demand full value.
Zamora said a deal could depend on Minteh’s own reaction to interest, the advice around him and Brighton receiving the figure they consider fair. He added that Brighton have repeatedly replaced outgoing talent successfully, even while Minteh has been unavailable.
Brighton have previously secured major fees for Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, Joao Pedro and Alexis Mac Allister. A Minteh exit would also deliver a sizeable profit, but only if Liverpool decide the cost of replacing Salah is worth meeting Brighton’s terms.
