Liverpool could revive their interest in Brighton & Hove Albion winger Yankuba Minteh in January after failing to reach an agreement for the Gambia international during the summer transfer window.
The Reds made Minteh one of their attacking targets as they looked to strengthen their wide options, eventually submitting two bids for the 22-year-old.
Brighton rejected an initial £50 million proposal before turning down a second offer worth £60m.
The Seagulls were understood to value Minteh at around £70m, before their asking price reportedly increased to £80m during the final stage of the window.
Liverpool ultimately refused to meet that valuation, with the player’s injury situation also becoming a significant factor in their decision.
Minteh suffered a foot injury during pre-season and underwent surgery, with reports indicating that he could be sidelined for two to three months.
Sky Sports reported that he was expected to be unavailable until October, meaning Liverpool would have been committing a substantial fee for a player who was not immediately available.
However, Liverpool’s interest appears to have survived the failed summer negotiations.
Gambian journalist Foday Manneh, who has closely followed Minteh’s situation, told Sport Witness that a January move remains possible if the winger returns quickly and performs at a high level for Brighton.
“One or two games can convince Liverpool again,” Manneh said, explaining that a strong return could persuade the Reds to revisit the transfer.
He also suggested that Cody Gakpo’s potential departure could become a factor, although any such move remains a possibility rather than a confirmed development.
There is also an indication from Brighton that the door has not been completely closed.
Manager Fabian Hurzeler said Minteh could still “fulfil his dream” of securing a move if he performs well and attracts renewed attention in a future transfer window.
Minteh’s numbers underline why Liverpool remain interested.
Since joining Brighton from Newcastle United in 2024 for around £30m, he has established himself as an important attacking option.
Operating primarily from the right wing, he has recorded 10 goals and nine assists in 73 appearances for the Seagulls.
The player’s representation has also been involved in the Liverpool discussions.
Manneh previously reported that Minteh’s agent, Bakary Bojang, partnered with CAA Stellar during the negotiations, with the agency involved throughout the process of exploring a move to Anfield.
For now, Minteh’s immediate priority is returning to full fitness.
If he can make a strong comeback and reproduce the performances that attracted Liverpool in the first place, the failed summer transfer could become only a temporary setback, with January potentially providing another opportunity for the Reds to make their move.
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