Liverpool’s Pursuit of Minteh
Liverpool have had a £50m offer for winger Yankuba Minteh rejected by Brighton & Hove Albion. The Gambia international is one of several wide attackers Liverpool have been tracking throughout the summer transfer window. The Merseyside club is actively seeking to strengthen its wide attacking options following the departure of Mohamed Salah.
Minteh, who is 22-years-old, joined Brighton from Newcastle in 2024 for £30m. He primarily plays on the right wing. Despite Liverpool’s interest, Brighton rebuffed the substantial bid, indicating their valuation of the player is higher.
Player Status and Other Targets
Minteh is currently recovering from a right leg injury sustained in a friendly match against Roma earlier this month. Reports suggest he is expected to be out of action for approximately eight weeks. Despite his current injury, sources indicate that Minteh is keen on a potential move if the clubs can reach an agreement on a transfer fee.
For Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola, strengthening wide attacking options remains a priority for the remainder of the transfer window. The club has already signed Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34m earlier this summer; Munoz can play as a winger or through the middle. Liverpool continues to explore various possibilities in the market.
Another key target for Liverpool is Paris St-Germain’s Bradley Barcola. However, the two clubs are reportedly far apart on their valuation of the 23-year-old France winger. PSG is seeking a fee in the region of £145m, while Liverpool would prefer a deal closer to the £100m mark. Barcola is said to be open to a move to Anfield.
Minteh’s Performance and Impact
Since his move to Brighton in 2024, Minteh has made 73 appearances for the club. During this time, he has scored 10 goals and provided nine assists. In 66 Premier League outings, he has contributed nine goals and eight assists. While most of his appearances have been on the right, he has also played on the left when Japan international Kaoru Mitoma was unavailable.
Minteh’s playing style is characterized by his pace and confidence in taking on defenders. Last season, he ranked fourth in the Premier League for dribbles, attempting 142 with a 45.8 per cent success rate. This metric places him above Liverpool’s top dribbler, Cody Gakpo, who attempted 88 dribbles.
Despite his potential, Minteh’s output has been described as inconsistent. His return of three goals and four assists in the 2025-26 season included a six-month period without a goal between September and March. However, when he varies his play, using his right foot and not solely relying on cutting inside onto his dominant left foot, he can pose a significant threat to opponents.
Minteh was a favored player under Fabian Hurzeler due to his capacity for repeated sprints, which aligns with Iraola’s preference for athletic players, particularly out wide. Brighton led the Premier League last term in final-third regains, with Minteh often leading the press.
The interest in Minteh from Liverpool coincides with Manchester United renewing their interest in Brighton’s Cameroonian midfielder Carlos Baleba. United have made an offer of around £60m plus £5m in add-ons for Baleba, though this is reportedly below Brighton’s asking price.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Minteh highlights their long-term strategy, even considering his current injury. It remains to be seen whether they will increase their offer for the Gambia international or shift their focus to other targets after Brighton rejected the initial £50m bid.
Source: bbc.com