Liverpool face fresh setback in pursuit of Brighton winger Minteh

Liverpool has suffered a setback in their bid to strengthen their attack after Brighton & Hove Albion rejected an opening £50 million offer for Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh.

The Reds are now considering their next move as manager Andoni Iraola seeks to bolster his attacking options before the transfer window closes.

Minteh, 22, has emerged as one of Liverpool’s preferred targets for the right side of their attack following Mohamed Salah’s departure. The Premier League champions have already signed Victor Muñoz but remain keen to add further attacking reinforcements.

Liverpool’s interest comes despite Minteh currently being sidelined with a leg injury suffered during Brighton’s pre-season friendly against Roma. The winger is reportedly expected to be out for about eight weeks.

Minteh joined Brighton from Newcastle United for £30 million in July 2024 after an impressive loan spell at Feyenoord. He scored 10 goals in 27 league appearances during his season in the Netherlands and helped the club win the KNVB Cup.

Since moving to Brighton, Minteh has continued to establish himself as an attacking threat on the right flank. He has scored nine Premier League goals across his first two seasons with the Seagulls.

His pace, direct running and ability to take on defenders have made him an attractive option for Liverpool as they begin life without Salah, who spent nine seasons at Anfield and became one of the club’s most influential players of the modern era.

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Liverpool has also explored other options, including Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola. However, PSG’s reported valuation of around £145 million makes a deal for the France international significantly more expensive.

Minteh is reportedly open to a move to Anfield, but Brighton’s rejection of the initial £50 million bid means Liverpool may have to substantially increase their offer to convince the club to sell.

Brighton is in a strong negotiating position, with Minteh contracted until 2029 and the club having already seen several players leave during the transfer window.

His long-term value and the difficulty of finding a replacement late in the window could further strengthen the Seagulls’ stance.

For Liverpool, time is becoming a major factor. With the Premier League season approaching, Iraola is working to reshape his squad around his high-energy attacking approach, making additional reinforcements in the wide areas an increasingly urgent priority.