Brighton have turned away a £60 million approach from Liverpool for their promising winger Yankuba Minteh. According to sources at Sky Sports News, the Merseyside club’s proposal fell short of the price Brighton consider appropriate, especially after a previous attempt of £50 million for the 22‑year‑old was also rejected. At present Minteh is 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 nursing a hamstring problem since May.
In addition to the Minteh saga, Brighton are reportedly in advanced negotiations with Manchester United regarding the potential sale of midfielder Carlos Baleba. The two clubs are said to be close to finalising a deal that could exceed £60 million, indicating that Brighton are willing to consider substantial offers for their emerging talents while also seeking to strengthen their own squad. Liverpool’s transfer strategy this window has clearly focused on bolstering the flanks.
Earlier in the summer they secured Victor Muñoz from Osasuna, and Minteh has been identified as another target to add pace and creativity to the Reds’ wide‑forward positions. The club’s scouting network has been exploring several options, with Minteh featuring prominently among them. At the same time, Liverpool have been in talks with Paris Saint‑Germain about Bradley Barcola, a highly rated French winger. However, PSG have placed a hefty £145 million price tag on Barcola, a figure that Liverpool are reluctant to meet at this stage.
The broader context of Brighton’s transfer activity reveals a club that is both a supplier of talent and a defender of its assets. Over the past few weeks the Seagulls have seen Jan Paul van Hecke move to Tottenham and Danny Welbeck head to Chelsea, adding to the recent interest in Minteh and Baleba.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler addressed the growing speculation ahead of the team’s season‑opening fixture against Aston Villa, speaking on Sky Sports. He explained that when a club enjoys a period of success, it is natural for other teams to show interest in its key players. "All the players who are being linked are important to us; they have been part of our journey over the last two years," Hurzeler said. "When a team performs well, there is always a big demand for its players.
That is part of my job and part of our identity." Hurzeler went on to stress that the club is aware of each individual’s value and contribution, but also recognised that success inevitably draws attention. "We can discuss each player in detail and we know how crucial they are, but with big achievements comes a lot of attention, and we have to manage that," he added.
"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 commitment to securing a valuation that reflects Minteh’s potential.
The winger, who has already shown flashes of brilliance in the Premier League, is seen as a long‑term asset for the club. His current injury setback, while unfortunate, does not diminish his market value in the eyes of the Seagulls’ hierarchy. Meanwhile, the club’s willingness to negotiate a sizable fee for Baleba suggests a pragmatic approach: capitalise on the market while reinvesting the proceeds to maintain competitiveness. For Liverpool, the pursuit of Minteh fits into a broader plan to refresh their attacking options.
After the departure of several senior forwards in recent seasons, the Reds have been keen to inject youthful energy and speed into their lineup. Victor Muñoz’s arrival earlier this summer was a step in that direction, and Minteh would represent another layer of depth on the wings. However, the financial disparity between Liverpool’s offer and Brighton’s expectations highlights the challenges clubs face when aligning valuation with budget constraints.
In the meantime, Brighton will continue to monitor Minteh’s recovery, hoping he returns fit and ready for the upcoming fixtures. The club’s medical team is expected to provide regular updates, and manager Hurzeler will likely adjust his tactical plans accordingly.
The Seagulls’ focus remains on building a cohesive unit capable of challenging for European spots, even as they navigate the inevitable transfer speculation that accompanies a successful campaign. Overall, the situation illustrates the delicate balance between player development, financial pragmatism, and competitive ambition that modern Premier League clubs must manage.
Brighton’s decision to turn down the £60 million offer signals a belief in Minteh’s long‑term value, while Liverpool’s continued interest demonstrates their determination to secure top‑class talent to rejuvenate their attacking line‑up. The coming weeks will reveal whether a compromise can be reached, or if both clubs will pursue alternative pathways in the dynamic summer transfer market.