Brighton have turned away a £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 price Brighton consider appropriate, especially after a previous attempt to secure the 22‑year‑old for £50 million was also rejected. At present Minteh is sidelined with an injury that is expected to keep him out of action until around October, limiting any immediate impact he could have for a new team. The Seagulls are also coping with the absence of Kaoru Mitoma, who has been out since May after suffering a hamstring problem.
In addition to the Minteh saga, Brighton are reportedly in advanced negotiations with Manchester United over the possible departure of midfield talent Carlos Baleba. Sources suggest a deal worth more than £60 million is close to being finalised, indicating that the club could see a significant influx of funds if both transfers go through. Liverpool have made strengthening their flanks a clear priority this window.
Earlier in the transfer period they secured Victor Muñoz from Osasuna, and the club’s scouting network has continued to evaluate several options to add pace and creativity on the wings. Minteh has emerged as one of the most realistic targets, alongside other names being monitored. One of the other high‑profile candidates Liverpool have been linked with is Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint‑Germain.
Negotiations with the French champions are ongoing, but the club’s valuation of roughly £145 million presents a steep hurdle that Liverpool appear reluctant to meet at this stage. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler commented on the media speculation surrounding his squad, noting that it is normal for successful teams to attract interest in their players.
Speaking ahead of Brighton’s season‑opening match against Aston Villa on Sky Sports, he said: “We know that the players who are being linked are important to us; they have been part of the journey over the last two years. When a team performs well, there is naturally a larger demand for its talent.
That is part of my job and part of the club’s identity.” He continued, “We can discuss each individual player and recognise how valuable they are, but success brings attention. The situation will evolve, and I’m not here to complain – I’m here to find solutions.” The Seagulls have already seen a number of key departures this summer, with Jan Paul van Hecke moving to Tottenham Hotspur and Danny Welbeck joining Chelsea. The interest in Minteh and Baleba therefore adds to a growing list of Brighton assets that other top clubs are eager to acquire. If Liverpool’s £60 million bid had been accepted, Minteh would have joined a Liverpool side that is actively reshaping its attacking options.
The Reds have been keen to supplement the contributions of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz with fresh, dynamic wide players capable of stretching defenses and providing additional goal‑scoring threats. However, Brighton’s valuation reflects the club’s belief in Minteh’s potential. The winger, who broke into the first team last season, has shown flashes of speed, technical skill and an eye for goal that have attracted attention beyond England.
His development trajectory suggests he could become a regular starter for a top‑six club within a few seasons, justifying a higher price tag. The injury that has kept Minteh out until October further complicates matters. Liverpool would be taking a short‑term risk on a player who cannot contribute immediately, while Brighton may be using the injury as leverage to negotiate a more favourable fee. Meanwhile, the potential Manchester United deal for Baleba could reshape the midfield landscape for both clubs.
Baleba, a versatile central midfielder known for his ball‑winning ability and composure on the ball, would add depth to United’s squad, which is looking to reinforce after a mixed campaign. For Brighton, a sale exceeding £60 million would provide substantial financial flexibility to reinvest in new talent or improve existing squad depth. Overall, the transfer window remains fluid.
Liverpool must decide whether to increase their offer for Minteh or pivot to alternative targets, while Brighton balances the desire for financial gain with the need to retain key players for a competitive season. The outcome will likely influence both clubs’ strategies as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming Premier League campaign.