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)
A journalist has explained that Yankuba Minteh’s injury was “very significant” in Liverpool’s decision not to increase their rejected £60 million bid for the Brighton attacker.
Liverpool were left without a natural right-sided winger in their squad after Brighton turned down the Reds’ offers of £50m then £60m in the summer transfer market.
However, even if he had joined the club in August, Minteh would still have been unavailable until November due to surgery on his right leg.
This injury was a key reason for Liverpool choosing not to raise their bid to suit the Seagulls, who were demanding upwards of £70m for the 22-year-old.
Brighton and Hove Albion's Yankuba Minteh during the Premier League match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London. Picture date: Sunday May 25, 2025.
Brighton and Hove Albion's Yankuba Minteh during the Premier League match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London. Picture date: Sunday May 25, 2025.
Minteh’s compatriot, Gambian journalist Foday Manneh was well connected to the story and explained to Sport Witness why the transfer didn’t happen.
“[It was] no longer about price, it was about the injury which was very, very significant,” wrote the reporter.
“In the last few hours of the window, it really played a big part in not convincing Liverpool to go fully.
“If it wasn’t for the injury, the Reds were willing now to raise their offer again and then go for the player, considering the fact that they couldn’t have a much better option in the market.”
How long will Yankuba Minteh be out injured?
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
Minteh has been absent since he came off worse in a challenge with Roma captain Bryan Cristante during the Seagulls’ friendly win on August 8.
The winger tried to play on but was forced off soon after, and he has since undergone surgery on his right leg.
As a result, the Athletic reported that Minteh will be out for two to three months, meaning he likely won’t be ready to play until at least November.
Speaking at the time, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler commented: “He will miss a long period and it’s definitely a problem for us because he is a key player, but we will find a way to manage this.”
How long will Yankuba Minteh be out injured?
Brighton and Hove Albion's Yankuba Minteh during the Premier League match at Craven Cottage, Fulham. Picture date: Saturday January 24, 2026.
Brighton and Hove Albion's Yankuba Minteh during the Premier League match at Craven Cottage, Fulham. Picture date: Saturday January 24, 2026.
Although it was frustrating for fans not to see a right-winger come through the door at the start of the season, it was probably a wise choice to avoid paying more for an injured Minteh.
Once he is recovered, we could see Liverpool go back in for the Gambian at a slightly lower price in January.
Hurzeler hinted that Brighton would still be willing to sell Minteh, saying: “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.”
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Wright, Mabaya collage
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