Liverpool are reportedly considering a renewed approach for Brighton & Hove Albion winger Yankuba Minteh in the January transfer window, according to reports. The Merseyside club made two bids for the 20-year-old Gambia international during the summer, with the highest offer reaching £60m, but Brighton rejected the advances and demanded £80m. Liverpool also had a £50m bid rejected by Crystal Palace for winger Ismaila Sarr as they sought reinforcements on the right flank.
Brighton Hold Firm on Minteh Valuation
According to reports from TEAMtalk and journalist Ben Jacobs, Brighton informed Liverpool that they would not sanction a sale for Minteh for anything less than £80m, a figure Liverpool were unwilling to meet. The winger is currently sidelined with an injury and is not expected to return to action until at least October or November. Despite the setback, Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has suggested a future move is not entirely off the table. Speaking to Sports Mole, Hurzeler noted that if the team succeeds and the individual shines, Minteh "can then maybe fulfil his dream in the next transfer window." Fabrizio Romano also reported that Liverpool's negotiations for Minteh went cold late in the summer window as the club explored other options.
The Sarr Alternative and Squad Balance
Liverpool's search for right-sided attacking depth also led them to submit a £50m bid for Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr, as first reported by The Mirror. The decision to pursue Sarr alongside Minteh highlights the club's desire to find a long-term successor or backup on the right flank. Sarr's Premier League experience represents a different tactical profile to Minteh, who offers raw, explosive potential but comes with a higher price tag. With Minteh currently injured and Brighton holding out for a premium £80m fee, Liverpool must weigh up whether to meet that valuation in January or pivot back to more cost-effective alternatives to secure their squad depth.
