Liverpool Expected to Make Improved Offer for Brighton's Yankuba Minteh
Liverpool are expected to return with an improved offer for Brighton & Hove Albion winger Yankuba Minteh, with personal terms reportedly already agreed between the player and the Merseyside club. The 22-year-old Gambian international has emerged as a concrete target as Andoni Iraola looks to strengthen his attacking options before the transfer window closes.
Brighton have rejected two bids for Minteh, with the second understood to be in the region of £60m. The Seagulls are holding out for a fee closer to £70m, a valuation that has not deterred Liverpool, who are weighing up a third offer, as reported by multiple outlets. Transfer journalist Ben Jacobs has indicated that fresh talks between the clubs will continue, even as both teams prepare for their opening Premier League fixtures.
Personal Terms Agreed
According to Fabrizio Romano, Minteh has already agreed personal terms with Liverpool. Romano, writing in his Daily Briefing, outlined that Liverpool are working on deals for two wingers, with Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola remaining the priority, but Minteh considered a concrete option. "Minteh already agreed personal terms with Liverpool," Romano said. "He wants the move, he dreams of joining Liverpool after some African players did great there – from Mo Salah to his idol Sadio Mane – but for the moment we're still waiting for a club-to-club agreement."
Minteh has previously spoken openly about his admiration for Liverpool. In an interview with Gambian journalist Foday Manneh, he said: "I always dream, and I always had this belief in me that one day I will play in one of the biggest teams in the world... I think the club which suits me really well, I would say Liverpool." He acknowledged the Reds' interest, adding: "Yeah, but it's not in my head."
Brighton's Valuation and Injury Concerns
Brighton's resistance is clear, with the club valuing Minteh at over £70m. The winger is currently sidelined with a leg injury sustained in Brighton's pre-season win over Roma, with reports suggesting he could be out until late October or November. Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler has described Minteh as a key player, saying: "He will miss for a long period, and it's definitely a problem for us because he is a key player but we will find a way to manage this." Despite the injury, Liverpool's pursuit has not wavered, with the club reportedly willing to sign a player who will miss the start of the season.
Iraola's Need for Reinforcements
Liverpool's interest in Minteh comes as new head coach Andoni Iraola has stressed the need for additional signings, particularly in wide areas. Speaking in a pre-match press conference, Iraola said: "In terms of what we need, there are certain situations that are clear, especially out on the wing because we don't have enough players specific to play in those positions." Iraola declined to comment specifically on Barcola or Minteh, but his remarks underscore Liverpool's intent to add attacking depth.
Liverpool have already secured the signing of Victor Munoz from Osasuna for around £34m, but the club are seeking more firepower following the departure of Mohamed Salah, who left at the end of last season after a nine-year stay at Anfield.
Alternative Targets
While Minteh appears to be a primary focus, Liverpool are also pursuing Bradley Barcola, with Paris Saint-Germain reportedly asking for between £130m and £140m. The club's interest in PSG's Ibrahim Mbaye may not be followed up, as the pursuit of Minteh takes precedence. Yan Diomande was also on Liverpool's shortlist before joining Real Madrid.
Market Context
The fee Brighton are demanding for Minteh, who scored three league goals last season, reflects a broader trend of escalating transfer prices in the Premier League. Anthony Gordon moved to Barcelona for a similar fee, while Tottenham Hotspur are reported to have agreed an £85m deal with Manchester City for Savinho. Minteh, who is left-footed and capable of playing on both flanks, is viewed by some as a potential replacement for Salah, though he is considered more of a creative threat than a prolific goalscorer.
With the transfer window closing at 11pm on 1 September, Liverpool are expected to make a decisive move for Minteh in the coming days. The outcome will depend on whether the two clubs can bridge the gap between Brighton's valuation and Liverpool's offer.