Liverpool have had a £50 million bid rejected for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh as the Reds continue their search for attacking reinforcements following the departure of Mohamed Salah.
The 22-year-old Gambia international has emerged as one of the wide attacking options being considered by Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola, although Brighton’s rejection means the Reds may need to return with an improved offer if they decide to pursue the winger further.
Minteh has already established himself as an important player at Brighton since arriving from Newcastle in 2024, and his pace, direct running and ability to contribute goals and assists make him an attractive option for Liverpool.
Liverpool Target Yankuba Minteh After Salah Departure
Liverpool’s priority for the remainder of the transfer window is to strengthen their wide attacking options, particularly following the departure of Mohamed Salah.
The Reds have already added Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34 million this summer. Munoz is capable of operating as a winger or through the middle, but Liverpool are continuing to explore the market for another attacking option.
That search has now led them to Yankuba Minteh, although their opening attempt has been rejected.
Liverpool submitted a £50 million offer to Brighton, but the Seagulls turned down the proposal. The rejection does not necessarily mean the pursuit is over, with Liverpool expected to continue examining several possibilities before the transfer window closes.
Minteh primarily operates on the right wing, making him particularly relevant as Liverpool look to rebuild their attacking options.
His arrival would also provide another young attacking player capable of developing alongside the club’s existing forwards.
Rejected £50m Bid for Yankuba Minteh Puts Brighton in Strong Position
The rejected £50m bid for Minteh shows Brighton’s reluctance to part with one of their important attacking players.
Minteh joined Brighton from Newcastle for £30 million in 2024 and has since made 73 appearances for the club. During that time, he has scored 10 goals and supplied nine assists.
Those numbers underline the attacking contribution he has already made despite being only 22.
Brighton therefore have little immediate reason to accept Liverpool’s opening proposal, particularly with Minteh still having significant development potential.
The winger is currently recovering from a leg injury suffered during a friendly against Roma earlier this month, meaning his immediate availability is also uncertain.
Liverpool will consequently have to consider both Brighton’s valuation and the player’s fitness situation if they decide to increase their offer.
For Brighton, the interest is further evidence of Minteh’s growing reputation after his move from Newcastle.
Minteh Career Stats Show Growing Influence
The available Minteh career stats from his Brighton spell show a player who has already developed into a productive attacking option.
| Minteh’s Brighton record | Figure |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 73 |
| Goals | 10 |
| Assists | 9 |
| Brighton transfer fee | £30m |
| Current age | 22 |
| Primary position | Right wing |
His combination of appearances, goals and assists is particularly notable considering his age. Minteh still has considerable room to improve, and Liverpool’s interest suggests the club believe his profile could translate effectively into their attacking system.
His versatility also adds value. Although primarily a right winger, his attacking qualities could give Liverpool another way to stretch opponents and create space for their central forwards.
For a side that has lost Salah, replacing the Egyptian’s influence cannot be achieved by simply finding another player with identical characteristics. Liverpool instead appear to be examining several attacking profiles, with Minteh one of the players capable of contributing to a broader rebuild.
Bradley Barcola Remains Liverpool’s Priority
While Yankuba Minteh has attracted Liverpool’s attention, he is not currently the club’s only option.
Paris St-Germain winger Bradley Barcola remains a priority for the Reds, but negotiations between the clubs are complicated by a major difference in valuation.
Barcola, who is 23 and an established France international, is open to a move to Anfield. However, PSG are reportedly demanding a fee in the region of £145 million.
Liverpool are more willing to agree a deal closer to £100 million, leaving a substantial gap between the two clubs.
That situation explains why Liverpool are continuing to explore alternatives. Minteh represents a significantly cheaper option than Barcola, although Brighton’s rejection of the £50 million proposal indicates that securing the winger would still require a substantial investment.
The Reds are therefore testing the market rather than committing themselves to one target.
Liverpool Continue Searching for Attacking Reinforcements
The rejected £50m bid for Minteh is another indication of Liverpool’s determination to strengthen their attack before the transfer window closes.
Munoz has already arrived from Osasuna, but the departure of Salah has created a significant gap in the squad, particularly in wide areas.
Minteh’s profile makes him an appealing candidate. He is young, has Premier League experience and has already demonstrated his ability to contribute directly to goals.
However, Liverpool will need to decide how far they are prepared to go financially after Brighton rejected their first proposal.
A move for Yankuba Minteh would represent a significant step in the winger’s career. He joined Brighton for £30 million only two years ago, and a potential transfer to Liverpool for a considerably higher fee would underline how quickly his stock has risen.
For Liverpool, the challenge is finding the right balance between replacing the attacking output lost with Salah’s departure and avoiding an inflated transfer fee simply because the club need another winger.
As the transfer window approaches its conclusion, Liverpool are expected to continue exploring their options. Minteh is now firmly among the names under consideration, while Barcola remains a more ambitious and expensive target.
The £50 million offer has been rejected, but Liverpool’s interest in Yankuba Minteh could develop further if the Reds decide that the Brighton winger is the right player to strengthen their attack.
