Yankuba Minteh still wants Liverpool move as Brighton demand £80m
Liverpool's interest in Brighton forward Yankuba Minteh remains alive, with reports suggesting the player still wants a move to Anfield. However, Brighton's £80m valuation prevented a deal in the previous window, and the south coast club's firm stance could complicate any renewed approach.
- Player: Yankuba Minteh (Brighton forward)
- Interested club: Liverpool
- Valuation: Brighton wanted £80m
- Status: Player reportedly still wants the move
- Context: Liverpool need a natural right-sided attacker
- Injuries: Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak sidelined; Hugo Ekitike out until 2027
Injury and availability
Liverpool's attacking options have been severely depleted in recent weeks, increasing the urgency to address the forward line. Cody Gakpo is out for "several weeks" after suffering an injury on international duty with the Netherlands. Alexander Isak has also returned with an issue after Sweden duty. The longer-term blow is Hugo Ekitike, who is not expected back until 2027 after rupturing his Achilles last season against PSG. As a result, head coach Andoni Iraola may need to lean on younger options such as Rio Ngumoha and Lewis Koumas in the weeks ahead.
Deal details
According to Give Me Sport, Liverpool's sporting director Julian Ward has identified right-back, central midfield and right-winger as priorities for 2027. The report states that Brighton wanted £80m for Minteh, a figure that ultimately prevented the move from being completed in the previous window. Liverpool were also linked with Ismaila Sarr late in the window, suggesting they were actively surveying the market for a right-sided profile. There is also a suggestion that the player's interest in Anfield has not gone away.
What was said
"I think Liverpool. He will still want to go to Liverpool. Depending on [how] Liverpool will activate that desire to still have him."
"Because right now, his situation has not been helped because he is injured. If not, then you could have more justification for him to showcase his performance and why Liverpool were after him."
"He has a quality not a lot of players have, and I'm really happy for him. He was waiting for his chance, and he used it in a really positive way."
"We have to work with him to keep doing unpredictable things offensively but staying more reliable defensively – to keep doing the easy things right in our half. He understands now more and more what it needs to work for the team."
These comments underline that Minteh remains open to a move, even after a transfer failed to materialise. Player willingness can be a significant factor if clubs revisit negotiations. Hurzeler's words reinforce the excitement around the player while also illustrating that he is not yet the finished article, which is likely to shape Liverpool's internal debate over valuation.
Why Minteh fits Liverpool's right-wing need
Liverpool's squad is unbalanced in wide areas. Several players are more comfortable operating from the left, and replacing the right-sided output lost after Mohamed Salah's summer move to Trabzonspor remains a major strategic objective. Minteh is direct, quick, comfortable attacking space and still has room to develop. His profile matches the brief for a dynamic right winger who can stretch the game and grow into a bigger role.
The comparison raised is Alexis Mac Allister, whose £35m arrival from Brighton in 2023 proved outstanding value. Liverpool will know there is no guarantee of repeating that kind of success, but they have already seen first-hand how a well-judged Brighton deal can elevate the squad. However, the £80m valuation is substantial for a player still developing, even if his ceiling is obvious. Supporters would likely want the club to stay disciplined at that price.
Iraola's system demands pace, intensity and wide players who can break games open. With Gakpo and Isak out, and Ekitike a long-term absentee, the need for immediate attacking reinforcement is clear. Minteh appears to match that brief, but Brighton's firm stance means any deal will require patience and possibly a club-record fee for a player yet to fully prove himself at the top level.
Talking points
- Should Liverpool pay £80m for Minteh, or is that money better spent on a more proven right winger?
- With Gakpo and Isak injured, can Liverpool afford to wait until 2027 to sign a right-sided attacker?
- Does Minteh's injury record justify such a high valuation, or should Brighton lower their demands?
- Would Minteh start ahead of Liverpool's current wide options once everyone is fit?
What happens next
Liverpool's immediate focus is coping with injuries to Gakpo and Isak, with Iraola likely to rely on Rio Ngumoha and Lewis Koumas in upcoming fixtures. The club's recruitment team, led by Julian Ward, will continue to monitor Minteh's situation. If Brighton soften their £80m stance or Minteh's performances post-injury force the issue, a renewed approach could follow. For now, the deal remains a rumour with concrete interest.
Frequently asked questions
Is Yankuba Minteh joining Liverpool?
No deal has been agreed. Liverpool are interested, but Brighton's £80m valuation prevented a move in the previous window.
How much do Brighton want for Yankuba Minteh?
According to Give Me Sport, Brighton wanted £80m for Minteh, a figure that blocked the transfer.
Why do Liverpool need a right winger?
Liverpool lost Mohamed Salah to Trabzonspor and lack natural right-sided attackers. Injuries to Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak have worsened the shortage.
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