Liverpool’s £70m hurdle: Brighton rebuffs Minteh bid

Liverpool’s second attempt to sign Brighton’s winger Yankuba Minteh has been rebuffed, with the Seagulls demanding £70 million – up from an initial £50 million offer that was also turned down after a £10 million increase. The Reds remain keen on bolstering their attack despite the winger’s current injury lay‑off.

Why Liverpool target Minteh

The Reds, based at the Amex Stadium, have been active in the market for attacking reinforcements and have singled out the Brighton star as a prime target. Their scouting reports highlighted Minteh’s pace and versatility on the wing, prompting an initial £50 million offer that was later increased by £10 million.

Yankuba Minteh is currently sidelined after right‑leg surgery, with medical staff estimating a two‑ to three‑month recovery period. In the previous season he recorded three goals and four assists across 36 appearances, despite enduring a six‑month goal drought.

Brighton's board, known as the Seagulls, are keen to maximise their return on a player they bought for £30 million in 2024. The £70 million price tag would more than double their investment and rank the Gambian as the club’s second‑largest sale after Moises Caicedo.

The Seagulls are also fielding interest in midfielder Carlos Baleba, who has attracted a £65 million bid from Manchester United. This parallel pursuit underscores Brighton’s broader strategy of capitalising on their assets during the busy transfer window.

The report by Samuel Meade, Sports Brand Writer at 18:55 on Aug 21, quoted Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler: “We know in general all the players there are rumours about, they are important players for us because they’re a big part of the journey the last two years… it’s part of our identity and part of my job here.”

Andoni Iraola, speaking to , affirmed that Liverpool will eventually sign new faces, noting “some deals you have to wait until the end… the end is the important picture, the one we will have on September 1, because we are still quite thin.” ImagesLiverpool and other Images from the negotiations suggest both clubs remain firm: Brighton seeks a record fee while Liverpool must decide whether to increase their offer or look elsewhere given Minteh’s injury lay‑off.