Brighton have turned away a reported £60 million proposal from Liverpool for their promising winger Yankuba Minteh. According to sources at Sky Sports News, the Merseyside club’s offer fell short of the valuation that Brighton have placed on the 22‑year‑old, especially after a previous attempt of £50 million was also rejected. Minteh is currently sidelined with an injury that is expected to keep him out of action until around October, and the Seagulls are also missing Kaoru Mitoma, who has been out with a hamstring problem since May.
The rejection of Liverpool’s bid comes amid a busy transfer period for Brighton, who are also reportedly in advanced talks with Manchester United regarding the possible sale of midfielder Carlos Baleba. Sources suggest that an agreement could be reached on a deal that exceeds £60 million, indicating that Brighton are looking to capitalise on the market value of their emerging talents. Liverpool, on the other hand, have made strengthening their wide‑forward options a clear priority this window.
Earlier in the summer they secured Victor Muñoz from Osasuna, and they have continued to scout for additional options on the flanks. Minteh has been identified as one of several candidates the Reds are evaluating to add depth and pace to their attacking line‑up. In addition to Minteh, Liverpool have been actively pursuing Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint‑Germain.
Negotiations with the French champions are ongoing, but PSG have placed a hefty £145 million price tag on Barcola, a figure that Liverpool appear reluctant to meet at this stage. The club’s transfer strategy therefore seems to be a blend of targeting both high‑profile targets and more affordable, high‑potential players like Mintee.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler addressed the growing speculation surrounding his squad ahead of the season‑opening match against Aston Villa, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. He acknowledged that the club’s recent successes have naturally attracted interest from bigger teams.
"We know in general, all the players who there are rumours about are important players, they've been part of the journey over the last two years," Hurzeler said. "It's normal that if a team is doing well, then there will be a big ask for players. That's part of my job here, it's part of our identity." He went on to stress that while each player is valuable, the club must remain focused on its own objectives. "We can go through every individual player, we know how important they are but we know good achievements, big achievements, you create a lot of attention and therefore we have to wait now.
The situation will evolve. I'm not here to complain, I'm here to find solutions," he added. The Seagulls have already seen a number of key departures this summer. Jan Paul van Hecke moved to Tottenham Hotspur, and veteran striker Danny Welbeck joined Chelsea, both transfers occurring earlier in the window.
The interest in Minteh and Baleba therefore represents the latest chapter in Brighton’s ongoing challenge of balancing squad development with the financial incentives of selling high‑value assets. From a broader perspective, Liverpool’s pursuit of Minteh reflects a strategic shift under the club’s current management. After missing out on a £50 million bid for the winger, the Reds appear willing to increase their offer, but only if it aligns with their internal valuation and budget constraints.
The club’s recent acquisition of Victor Muñoz indicates a willingness to invest in young, dynamic talent, and Minteh’s blend of speed, technical ability, and potential upside makes him an attractive prospect for a side looking to refresh its attacking options. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s interest in Carlos Baleba underscores the competition for Brighton’s emerging midfield talent.
Baleba, a versatile player capable of operating both as a deep‑lying playmaker and a more advanced midfielder, has drawn attention for his composure on the ball and his ability to dictate tempo. A deal exceeding £60 million would not only provide Brighton with a significant financial boost but also reflect United’s intent to reinforce their squad depth ahead of a demanding season.
In summary, Brighton have firmly rejected Liverpool’s £60 million bid for Yankuba Minteh, citing a valuation mismatch after a previous £50 million offer was also turned down. The club remains open to negotiations with Manchester United over Carlos Baleba, with a potential deal north of £60 million on the table. Liverpool continue to explore options to bolster their wing positions, including ongoing talks for Bradley Barcola, though PSG’s £145 million valuation remains a stumbling block. As the transfer window progresses, Brighton’s manager Fabian Hurzeler emphasizes that player interest is a natural consequence of recent success, and the club will navigate these challenges while staying focused on its competitive goals for the upcoming season.