JANUARY 19: Yankuba Minteh of Brighton and Hove Albion (Image: Mitchel Davidson/Alamy Live News)
JANUARY 19: Yankuba Minteh of Brighton and Hove Albion (Image: Mitchel Davidson/Alamy Live News)
Liverpool have withdrawn from bidding further for Yankuba Minteh after being informed by Brighton that they want £80 million for the winger.
The Reds had already had two bids, reported to be of £50 million and £60 million, turned down last week.
It had been expected that a third bid would be placed early this week and that a fee around £70 million would get the deal done.
However, it was reported late on Tuesday night that Brighton have informed Liverpool that they want £80 million for the player, who has 10 goals and nine assists in his 73 appearances for the Seagulls.
Reporter Ben Jacobs writes that the £80 million figure is not a price Liverpool are currently willing to meet.
“Liverpool not expected to return with a third bid unless the valuation drops,” he adds. “Previous £60m bid viewed as competitive but rejected by Brighton.”
Alternative winger target being explored
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 13, 2025: Liverpool's Milos Kerkez challenges Brighton & Hove Albion's Yankuba Minteh (L) during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 13, 2025: Liverpool's Milos Kerkez challenges Brighton & Hove Albion's Yankuba Minteh (L) during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Minteh, who is currently sidelined with an injury until at least October, was seen as the solution to Liverpool’s summer-long pursuit of a right-winger after Mohamed Salah‘s departure.
The Gambian international adds to the growing list of wingers Liverpool have attempted and failed to sign this summer, along with Yan Diomande, Bradley Barcola and Ibrahima Mbaye.
Transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano suggests that Liverpool are now “exploring different options” to Minteh.
One thing is for sure, those options are narrowing, with Mbaye said to be pivoting to another unnamed club and other wingers that have been linked also being ruled out.
Said El Mala has signed a new deal with Koln, an enquiry was made for Real Madrid‘s Endrick but that has been ruled out, and Matias Fernandez-Pardo is now subject to interest from Newcastle.
Bradley Barcola latest
France's Bradley Barcola celebrates scoring his sides second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 bronze final at the Miami Stadium. Picture date: Saturday July 18, 2026.
France's Bradley Barcola celebrates scoring his sides second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 bronze final at the Miami Stadium. Picture date: Saturday July 18, 2026.
Barcola remains the priority target for the left wing, but that has also gone cold in a nauseating transfer saga.
There were claims that more talks over Barcola would take place on Tuesday, with Sky Sports suggesting that “there is optimism that a deal can be struck with a week left before the deadline.”
PSG had been asking for around £145 million for the 23-year-old Frenchman, a figure that Liverpool were understandably not willing to meet.
Barcola was left out of PSG‘s opening league game of the season at the weekend.
Thiago, Wilson, Kadioglu, Arbeloa collage
Thiago, Wilson, Kadioglu, Arbeloa collage
Andoni Iraola Liverpool FC Training Session
Andoni Iraola, Head Coach of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on August 25, 2026 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Nikki Dyer/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
ROUNDUP COLLAGE(58)
ROUNDUP COLLAGE(58)