Brighton & Hove Albion have rejected a £50million bid from Liverpool for Yankuba Minteh, according to reports, with the 22-year-old currently recovering from surgery on a right leg injury.
The offer came at a notable moment for Brighton, who have already seen Minteh become one of their main attacking threats down the flanks in two seasons under Fabian Hurzeler. It also arrives while the club are dealing with another attacking setback, with Kaoru Mitoma injured as well.
Minteh moved from Newcastle to Brighton for £30m in the summer of 2024, and the winger has quickly become an important part of the team’s forward line. In 66 Premier League outings, he has scored nine goals and provided eight assists, production that helps explain why Brighton were not prepared to part with him for Liverpool’s latest approach.
Why Liverpool made the move
Liverpool have been searching for a right winger since Mohamed Salah’s departure at the end of last season, which has made the position a clear area of focus. The Athletic also reported that Liverpool have signed Spain international Victor Munoz, but the club’s interest in Minteh shows they are still looking for more width and direct threat in the final third.
Minteh’s injury adds another layer to the story. Earlier this month, he sustained the right leg problem in a 3-0 friendly win at home to Roma and underwent surgery. He is expected to miss around eight weeks, so any immediate move was always going to be complicated for both clubs.
For Brighton, the decision to reject the bid fits their wider position. Minteh is under contract until 2029, and the club have already shown they view him as a key long-term player rather than a short-term asset. That also matters because Brighton are trying to manage an early-season attacking picture that has been disrupted by injuries.
Minteh is now more likely to be a player Brighton protect and build around once he returns, rather than someone they are ready to sell. Liverpool, meanwhile, may have to keep searching if they want a new right-sided option before the season develops further.
