Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler has again opened the door for Yankuba Minteh to earn a move in January, hinting he could achieve his Liverpool “dream.”
Minteh was denied a summer transfer to Liverpool after two unsuccessful bids worth £50 million and £60 million.
Brighton were seeking a fee closer to £80 million, and with no value in such a deal, the decision was made to instead keep Cody Gakpo.
“There were other options that we decided not to take for different reasons,” Andoni Iraola told reporters on Thursday.
“Sometimes it’s sporting reasons, because they don’t improve what you have, sometimes it’s because of economic reasons that didn’t make sense in terms of the market to do.”
Fabian Hurzeler: ‘Maybe Minteh can fulfil his dream in January’
2XYPHHK FRANCEVILLE, GABON - JUNE 11: Yankuba Minteh of Gambia during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Gabon and Gambia at Stade De Francevil
2XYPHHK FRANCEVILLE, GABON - JUNE 11: Yankuba Minteh of Gambia during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Gabon and Gambia at Stade De Francevil
For what it’s worth, Brighton were clearly willing sellers and speaking ahead of their clash with Leeds, Hurzeler has suggested Minteh could now join Liverpool in January.
“He wears the Brighton colours, he wears the Brighton badge. He was part of the squad for two years now and achieved great things together with the boys,” he said on Friday.
“Therefore it’s also about him committing now, because in the end, we always say we want to be successful as a club but then you can shine as an individual.
“That’s what we proved in the past, if we achieve things together then the attention will come to the individual players.
Brighton and Hove Albion's Yankuba Minteh celebrates scoring their side's third goal of the game during the Premier League match at the American Express Stadium, Brighton. Picture date: Friday February 14, 2025.
Brighton and Hove Albion's Yankuba Minteh celebrates scoring their side's third goal of the game during the Premier League match at the American Express Stadium, Brighton. Picture date: Friday February 14, 2025.
“This will be the case also this season. If the whole team is successful, and then the individuals shine, Yankuba will get a lot of attention again.
“And then maybe he can fulfil his dream in the next transfer window.”
Liverpool could in theory allow Gakpo to depart mid-season, with Tottenham and Man City both interested in the summer, while renewing their pursuit of Minteh.
Will Liverpool sign Yankuba Minteh in January?
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)
That could even be preferable given the Gambian would have arrived with an injury if he had signed this month, with Brighton not expecting their No. 11 back until November.
But there is also no guarantee that Liverpool will return with a new bid for Minteh after reassessing their options ahead of the next summer window.
It is almost certain to be the case for Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr, who turns 29 later this year and is clearly not a long-term solution.
Minteh could prove that, but there is also a sense that the market for right wingers could open up considerably in 2027 with more options available.
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