Brighton have spurned a £60 million approach from Liverpool for their promising winger Yankuba Minteh, according to sources close to the negotiations. The Seagulls’ hierarchy felt the figure fell short of their internal valuation, especially after Liverpool’s earlier attempt to secure the 22‑year‑old for £50 million was also rejected. Minteh is currently sidelined with an injury that is expected to keep him out of action until around October, further complicating any immediate transfer plans. Brighton are also coping with the absence of Kaoru Mitoma, who has been nursing a hamstring problem since May and remains unavailable for selection.
In addition to the Minteh saga, Brighton are reportedly in advanced discussions with Manchester United regarding the possible departure of midfielder Carlos Baleba. Sources suggest a deal in excess of £60 million is close to being finalised, indicating that the club could see a substantial influx of funds if both moves go through.
Liverpool’s transfer strategy this window has placed a clear emphasis on strengthening their wide‑forward options. The Reds already secured Victor Muñoz from Osasuna earlier in the summer, and Minteh has emerged as one of several targets they are evaluating to add depth and pace to their flanks. The Merseyside club has also been linked with Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint‑Germain.
Negotiations with the French champions are ongoing, but PSG’s hefty £145 million price tag for Barcola presents a significant obstacle, as Liverpool appear reluctant to meet that valuation at present. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler commented on the growing transfer speculation surrounding his squad, noting that it is a natural consequence of the team’s recent successes. Speaking ahead of Brighton’s season‑opening clash with Aston Villa on Sky Sports, Hurzeler said: "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. 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 added that the club must remain pragmatic: "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." The rejection of Liverpool’s bid underscores Brighton’s determination to retain key talent while also positioning themselves to reap financial rewards when the market offers terms that match their expectations. The club has already seen Jan Paul van Hecke move to Tottenham and Danny Welbeck head to Chelsea earlier this transfer window, indicating that while they are willing to negotiate, they are equally selective about the conditions attached to any departures.
If the £60 million offer for Minteh had been accepted, it would have represented a significant profit on a player the Seagulls signed for a modest fee just a few seasons ago. However, Brighton’s board appears to be weighing the immediate cash injection against the longer‑term sporting impact of losing a young, dynamic winger who, once fit, could be a vital component of their attacking play. Baleba’s situation mirrors this balancing act.
The midfielder has impressed with his composure and passing range, attracting interest from several top clubs. Manchester United’s pursuit suggests that a deal could be on the horizon, but the final figure remains subject to negotiation. Should both transfers materialise, Brighton could potentially see a combined inflow of well over £120 million, funds that could be reinvested into strengthening the squad across multiple positions.
Liverpool, for their part, remain active in the market. Their acquisition of Victor Muñoz earlier in the window was intended to provide immediate depth, but the club’s broader ambition appears to be building a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts.
The pursuit of Minteh, alongside the ongoing talks for Barcola, reflects a strategic focus on adding pace, creativity, and goal‑scoring threat from the flanks. The broader context of the Premier League transfer landscape this summer has been characterised by inflated valuations and intense competition for emerging talents.
Clubs like Brighton, which have a reputation for developing players and selling them at a profit, are navigating a fine line between capitalising on market demand and preserving the core of a team that has consistently punched above its weight. In summary, Brighton have turned down Liverpool’s £60 million proposal for Yankuba Minteh, deeming it insufficient relative to their valuation. The club continues to negotiate a potential £60 million-plus deal for Carlos Baleba with Manchester United, while also managing injury setbacks to key players like Minteh and Mitoma.
Liverpool persist in their quest to bolster their wide‑area options, eyeing both Minteh and Barcola, though the latter’s steep price tag remains a hurdle. As the transfer window progresses, all parties will be watching closely to see how these negotiations shape the upcoming season’s squad compositions.