Liverpool could revisit their interest in Brighton & Hove Albion winger Yankuba Minteh in the January transfer window, according to reports. Journalist Pete O'Rourke, speaking to Football Insider, revealed that the Reds saw bids of £50 million and £60 million rejected during the summer as Brighton held out for an £80 million valuation. A mid-season move for the 20-year-old remains contingent on squad requirements and potential departures, notably involving forward Cody Gakpo, whose proposed late-summer move to Manchester City collapsed.
Brighton's valuation and Liverpool's tactical need
Under manager Andoni Iraola, Liverpool currently lack a natural left-footed right-winger following the departure of Mohamed Salah. Club legend Jamie Carragher, speaking on Liverpool Echo, pointed out that while £123 million summer signing Bradley Barcola is a star talent, he plays on the opposite flank. This leaves Liverpool without an out-and-out right-sided specialist, as other new arrivals Victor Munoz and Rio Ngumoha also favour the left. Minteh would directly address this tactical void. Brighton, meanwhile, prepared for potential future outgoings by signing 25-year-old winger Femi Azeez from Millwall late in the window.
The domino effect on Cody Gakpo
The pursuit of Minteh is intrinsically linked to Cody Gakpo's future at Anfield. According to TeamTalk, Liverpool blocked an £80-85 million sale of the 25-year-old to Manchester City in the final days of the summer window because they failed to secure a right-sided replacement. Gakpo, who is contracted until June 2030, may now be deployed on the right flank or centrally to cover for the injured Hugo Ekitike. If Liverpool resurrect their chase for Minteh in January, it could reopen the door for Gakpo to depart or significantly shift his role in Iraola's squad. No official negotiations have resumed, and the deal remains unconfirmed.
