Brighton Reject Liverpool’s £50m Bid for Minteh

Brighton rejects a £50 million offer from Liverpool for Yankuba Minteh, amidst the Reds’ search for a replacement for Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool’s attempt to secure Yankuba Minteh has hit a roadblock as Brighton & Hove Albion has outright rejected the Merseyside club’s £50 million bid for the young winger. This pursuit comes as Liverpool looks to replace Mohamed Salah, who recently transferred to Trabzonspor, thus prioritizing the addition of a new wide forward.

Brighton has made it clear that the Gambia international is not for sale at a discounted price. Minteh, who was pivotal for Brighton last season with three goals and four assists across 36 appearances, remains a top target for the recruitment team at Liverpool, which seeks to reinforce its attack.

At 22 years old, Minteh is currently recovering from surgery to address a right leg injury sustained during a pre-season match against Roma. His anticipated recovery timeline will see him sidelined for another eight weeks. Despite this injury, Liverpool is undeterred and continues to explore options to bolster their squad.

The interest in Minteh occurs during a significant transitional phase for Liverpool’s attacking setup. Aside from Salah’s departure, they have added only Victor Munoz from Osasuna, thus emphasizing their urgent need for additional quality on the flanks.

During his time at Brighton, Minteh has enjoyed a productive spell, netting nine goals and providing eight assists in 66 Premier League matches. His ability to play on both wings has added considerable value to the team, often filling in for the absent Kaoru Mitoma when necessary.

However, Liverpool is not the only club eyeing Brighton talent. Concurrently, Manchester United has reignited interest in midfielder Carlos Baleba, adding to Brighton’s challenges as they try to hold onto their key players. Reports suggest that United has made a £60 million offer, which includes an additional £5 million in performance-related add-ons, but it remains below Brighton’s asking price.

Brighton holds a strong negotiating position with Minteh under contract until 2029. This long-term commitment gives them leverage, particularly as they aim to capitalize on Minteh’s market value once he returns from his injury. The club is gearing up for the new Premier League season, which kicks off with a match against Aston Villa.