Liverpool Pull Out of Minteh Race Amid Brighton's £80m Demand
Liverpool's chase for a new right-winger has hit another roadblock. The Reds have officially withdrawn from bidding for Brighton & Hove Albion star Yankuba Minteh, after the Seagulls raised their asking price to a staggering £80 million — a figure Liverpool are unwilling to match.
The decision brings an end to weeks of speculation linking the Gambian international with a move to Anfield, and adds another name to Liverpool's growing list of missed winger targets this summer.
How the Minteh Deal Fell Apart
Liverpool's interest in Minteh had been building steadily throughout the transfer window as manager Andoni Iraola looked to bolster his wide options following Mohamed Salah's departure. But the negotiations followed a familiar pattern of rejected bids and rising valuations:
- First bid: £50 million — rejected by Brighton
- Second bid: £60 million — also turned down
- Brighton's final valuation: £80 million
A third Liverpool bid in the £70 million range had been widely expected earlier in the week, with reports suggesting that figure could get a deal over the line. Instead, Brighton doubled down, informing Liverpool they wanted £80 million — a number reporter Ben Jacobs described as one Liverpool are "currently not willing to meet."
According to Jacobs, Liverpool are "not expected to return with a third bid unless the valuation drops," with the club viewing their previous £60 million offer as competitive despite Brighton's rejection.
Injury Concerns Added to the Uncertainty
Complicating matters further, Minteh is currently sidelined with an injury and isn't expected to return to action until at least October. Some reports had even suggested a recovery timeline stretching another two to three months, raising questions about how much value the 22-year-old could add immediately even if a deal had gone through.
Since joining Brighton from Newcastle United in a £30 million deal in 2024, Minteh has racked up 10 goals and nine assists in 73 appearances for the Seagulls — numbers that made him an attractive, Premier League-proven option for Liverpool's attack.
Another Winger Slips Through Liverpool's Fingers
Minteh now joins a lengthening list of wide players Liverpool have pursued and failed to sign this summer, including:
- Yan Diomande
- Bradley Barcola (still ongoing)
- Ibrahima Mbaye
Liverpool's search for a Salah successor has proven far tougher than anticipated, despite the club already bringing in Spanish winger Victor Muñoz from Osasuna earlier in the window.
What's Next for Liverpool's Winger Search?
With Minteh now out of the picture, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reports that Liverpool are "exploring different options" as they continue their hunt for attacking reinforcements before the window closes.
The picture isn't getting any simpler, either:
- Said El Mala has signed a new contract with Köln, ruling him out.
- An enquiry for Real Madrid's Endrick has been dismissed.
- Matias Fernandez-Pardo is now being linked with a move to Newcastle instead.
- Ibrahima Mbaye is reportedly "pivoting" toward a different club.
That leaves Bradley Barcola as Liverpool's clear priority target for the remainder of the window — though PSG's valuation of around £140 million presents its own significant hurdle.
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