Yankuba Minteh Could Still Move to Liverpool If the Price Is Right

 

Yankuba Minteh may have missed out on a transfer to Liverpool during the summer transfer window, but a move to Anfield could still happen in the future. Former Brighton striker Bobby Zamora believes Liverpool could return for the Gambian winger, provided they are willing to meet Brighton’s asking price. Brighton are reportedly valuing Minteh at around £70 million, and the club have already rejected two bids from Liverpool because they were considered too low.

 

Minteh is regarded as an energetic and direct right winger who could potentially address an important need in Liverpool’s attack. According to Zamora, his style of play could fit well with what Liverpool require, particularly because the club are looking for an option capable of operating effectively on the right side of their attack.

 

Liverpool’s Need for a New Right-Winger

 

Liverpool’s interest in Minteh is largely connected to the departure of Mohamed Salah. After deciding not to extend his contract, Salah left Liverpool as a free agent, meaning the club needed to consider how best to replace one of the most influential attacking players in their recent history.

 

Liverpool have therefore invested heavily in strengthening their forward line. Under new manager Andoni Iraola, the club brought in Spanish winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna. They also reportedly spent around £123 million on French international Bradley Barcola, who arrived after winning the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain.

 

However, there is a potential imbalance in Liverpool’s attacking options. Munoz and Barcola are more comfortable playing on the left, while Cody Gakpo also tends to operate from that side. Young prospect Rio Ngumoha is another player who prefers a position on the left wing.

 

As a result, Liverpool’s attempts to find a direct replacement for Salah have included looking at players who naturally operate on the right. Minteh was one of the players they pursued, while Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr was another reported target.

 

Brighton’s High Valuation of Minteh

 

Brighton have developed a reputation for identifying talented players at relatively low prices and later selling them for significant profits. That business model means the club are unlikely to allow one of their important assets to leave for a fee they consider inadequate.

 

Liverpool reportedly made two offers for Minteh, believed to be worth approximately £50 million and £60 million. Brighton rejected both proposals because they are understood to want a fee closer to £70 million before considering a sale.

 

Minteh’s current situation has also been complicated by injury. The winger suffered an ankle injury during pre-season that required surgery, and as a result, he has not yet made an appearance for Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton side during the 2026-27 campaign.

 

Despite that setback, his previous performances have kept him on the radar of major clubs. If he returns to full fitness and performs well, his value and level of interest from potential suitors could remain high.

 

Liverpool Could Revisit the Situation in January

 

There is a possibility that Liverpool could make another approach for Minteh when the January transfer window opens. The club’s need for another natural right-sided attacking option is unlikely to disappear, particularly given the lack of players who naturally occupy that position.

 

Bobby Zamora believes a future deal is possible, although he stressed that several factors could influence whether the transfer eventually takes place.

 

According to Zamora, players respond differently when another club expresses interest in signing them. Some players are able to put transfer speculation aside and continue concentrating on their football, while others become determined to make the move happen and may actively push for a transfer.

 

He also pointed out that a player’s agent, advisers and people around them can have a major influence on how they respond to transfer interest. Therefore, even if Liverpool remain interested, the final outcome could depend on Minteh’s personal ambitions, Brighton’s position and the negotiations between the clubs.

 

Zamora nevertheless believes Minteh could be a good fit for Liverpool. He described the winger as a very direct player who is capable of getting the ball into dangerous areas and delivering into the penalty box. Those characteristics, in his view, would suit Liverpool’s attacking requirements.

 

However, Zamora emphasized that Brighton are unlikely to simply allow Minteh to leave without receiving a substantial fee. He pointed to Brighton’s history of getting strong financial returns when selling players and suggested that the transfer fee will ultimately be one of the most important factors in determining whether a deal happens.

 

In other words, Liverpool may be able to sign Minteh, but only if they are prepared to meet Brighton’s valuation.

 

Brighton’s Approach to Developing and Selling Players

 

Zamora also highlighted Brighton’s ability to continually develop and introduce new talent. The club have become known for bringing in young players, developing them and, when the right opportunity arises, selling them for significant sums.

 

Although Minteh has not recently been available to Brighton because of his injury, Zamora believes the club have enough other talented players to maintain their high standards. He noted that the players who have come into the squad have continued to perform well, demonstrating the depth of Brighton’s recruitment and development system.

 

This approach could also make Brighton less willing to feel pressured into selling Minteh unless their financial expectations are met.

 

What Fabian Hurzeler Has Said About Minteh

 

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has also suggested that Minteh’s future could depend heavily on what happens on the pitch.

 

Hurzeler explained that if Brighton perform successfully as a team and Minteh is able to stand out individually, the winger could once again attract considerable attention from other clubs. If that happens, Hurzeler believes Minteh could potentially have another opportunity to pursue his ambitions during a future transfer window.

 

At the same time, Hurzeler made it clear that Minteh remains a Brighton player and should remain committed to the club while he is there. He pointed out that Minteh has been part of the Brighton squad for two years and has shared significant achievements with his teammates.

 

For Hurzeler, the immediate priority is collective success. His view is that when Brighton perform well as a team, individual players naturally receive greater recognition and attract more attention from potential buyers.

 

Therefore, Minteh’s path to a major transfer may involve first returning from injury, establishing himself again at Brighton and helping the club achieve positive results. Strong individual performances could then increase the likelihood of renewed interest from Liverpool or other major clubs.

 

Overall Situation

 

Minteh’s proposed move to Liverpool may have failed to materialize during the summer, but the possibility of a future transfer has not necessarily disappeared. Liverpool still have a need for a natural right-sided attacker following Salah’s departure, while Minteh possesses qualities that could fit the role.

 

The main obstacle appears to be the transfer fee. Liverpool previously made offers of around £50 million and £60 million, but Brighton reportedly want approximately £70 million. Unless Liverpool increase their offer or Brighton reduce their valuation, an agreement could remain difficult.

 

Minteh’s return from injury and his performances once he is fit could also play an important role. If he performs strongly and attracts renewed attention, Liverpool could potentially revisit the situation in January or during a later transfer window.

 

For now, however, Minteh remains a Brighton player, and Hurzeler expects him to remain focused on contributing to the club. His future could ultimately depend on a combination of his performances, his own ambitions, Liverpool’s continued interest and, most importantly, whether a prospective buyer is willing to meet Brighton’s asking price.