Liverpool have made an approach to Brighton and Hove Albion regarding a potential transfer for winger Yankuba Minteh as the Premier League champions continue their search for additional attacking quality ahead of the new season.
The move represents another development in Liverpool’s efforts to strengthen their wide attacking options. The club are understood to be exploring several possibilities in the transfer market, with Brighton’s Minteh now emerging as a serious alternative target.
Reports indicate that Liverpool’s interest in the 22 year old Gambian winger has progressed beyond initial monitoring, although Brighton are reluctant to lose one of their important attacking players so close to the start of the campaign.
Liverpool’s approach comes at a time when the club are assessing their options following the departure of Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian forward’s exit has created a significant gap in Liverpool’s attack, particularly on the right side, where his goals, creativity and consistency had been central to the team’s success for several seasons.
The Reds have already added Victor Muñoz, but their recruitment team appears determined to bring in further attacking reinforcements.
Minteh’s profile makes him an attractive candidate.
The Gambia international is known for his pace, direct running and ability to attack defenders in one on one situations. Primarily operating from the right wing, he can also contribute from other attacking positions and has developed into an increasingly important player at Brighton since joining the club.
Minteh moved to Brighton from Newcastle United in 2024 for around £30 million after impressing during his loan spell at Feyenoord. He had previously joined Newcastle but never made a competitive appearance for the Magpies before being sent out on loan to gain valuable experience.
His time in the Netherlands proved particularly important for his development. The young winger gained experience playing in a competitive European environment and showed that his speed and attacking instincts could cause problems for defenders.
Brighton subsequently invested heavily in him, viewing the Gambian as a player capable of developing into a major Premier League attacking threat.
Since arriving at the Amex Stadium, Minteh has continued to develop his game. He has made 66 Premier League appearances for Brighton and scored nine goals, while also contributing eight assists according to recent reports.
Those numbers only tell part of the story.
Minteh’s value is also connected to the energy he brings to the attacking line. His acceleration allows him to stretch defensive structures, while his willingness to run behind defenders gives his team an alternative route to goal.
That combination could make him particularly useful to Liverpool as they attempt to maintain an aggressive attacking style.
However, there is one major complication surrounding the potential transfer.
Liverpool’s willingness to explore a move despite the injury underlines their appreciation of the player’s long term potential.
Brighton, however, have little reason to make negotiations easy.
The Seagulls have already lost important attacking options and are looking to remain competitive during the new Premier League campaign. With the transfer deadline approaching, allowing another key winger to leave could create a major problem for the club.
Recent reports indicate that Brighton have rejected a £50 million proposal from Liverpool for Minteh. The decision reflects the club’s strong position and their desire to retain the player.
Liverpool could therefore face a difficult negotiation if they decide to return with an improved offer.
The Reds are also considering other attacking targets. Paris Saint Germain winger Bradley Barcola remains a major name on their shortlist, although PSG’s reported valuation of around £145 million makes a deal considerably more complicated.
Minteh could consequently represent a more attainable option, particularly if Liverpool believe his potential and Premier League experience justify a significant investment.
The situation also demonstrates the changing priorities at Anfield.
Liverpool have already strengthened their squad during the summer, but the club appear unwilling to enter the new season without sufficient attacking depth. Competition for places will be particularly important given the demands of domestic football and European competition.
For Minteh, a move to Liverpool would represent the biggest club opportunity of his career so far.
The winger would have the chance to work within one of England’s most ambitious squads and compete for major trophies. His pace and direct style could also provide a different dimension to Liverpool’s attack.
Nevertheless, Liverpool must weigh the immediate injury concern against the player’s long term qualities.
Brighton will also have to decide whether the financial reward of a major transfer is enough to justify losing a player they believe can become one of their leading stars.
With negotiations developing and the transfer deadline approaching, Minteh’s future is becoming one of the more intriguing Premier League transfer stories.
Liverpool have made their interest clear. Brighton have demonstrated that they are not prepared to surrender easily. The next move could determine whether the Gambian winger begins the season on the south coast or prepares for a new challenge at Anfield.
