Liverpool will need to pay £70m to sign Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh after two bids of £50m and £60m were rejected. Brighton has held firm to the Gambian’s valuation as manager Andoni Iraola assembles his squad for his first campaign.
Transfer Details
Brighton rejected the first offer of £50m and a second of £60m, leaving Liverpool with a clear target figure. The club is reportedly willing to submit a third bid before the transfer deadline on Tuesday, 1 September. The 22-year-old missed Brighton’s 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa through injury, but his performances in the Premier League have attracted interest from several clubs.
Iraola’s Squad Build
Iraola, who took charge after the opening weekend draw at Newcastle, is looking to add width to his attack. He has already signed centre-backs Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo, and winger Victor Munoz. The Spanish manager plans to deploy Cody Gakpo from the left and Rio Ngumoha from the right, with Florian Wirtz mainly operating as a No-10.
Market Context
Brighton’s stance mirrors the club’s approach to Carlos Baleba, who is reportedly valued at £70m in his move to Manchester United. Liverpool’s interest in Minteh comes at a time when the club is also eyeing Bradley Barcola, though a gap remains with Paris Saint-Germain’s £145m valuation for the French winger.
Deadline Pressure
Iraola has said that the end of the transfer window is the most important moment, noting that the market is open and competition is fierce. "Some deals you have to wait until the end," he told reporters, adding that patience is key as the club works to fill its remaining positions.
Current Performance
Liverpool salvaged a point in dramatic fashion at Newcastle, with Dominic Szoboszlai’s stoppage-time penalty securing a 2-2 draw. The club’s need for a forward who can provide genuine width is now more pressing than ever.
Next Steps
Liverpool can submit a third offer for Minteh before the 1 September deadline. If Brighton remains firm, the Reds may need to look elsewhere or negotiate a higher fee. The club’s transfer window strategy will be closely watched as the season progresses.
