Brighton Reject £50m Liverpool Bid for Injured Yankuba Minteh

Liverpool's £50 million ($68m) offer for Yankuba Minteh has been turned down by Brighton & Hove Albion as the Reds seek to replace Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool have seen a £50 million ($68m) bid for Brighton & Hove Albion forward Yankuba Minteh rejected, sources told ESPN on August 20, 2026. The Gambia international is a primary target for the Merseyside club as they prioritize wide attacking reinforcements following the departure of Mohamed Salah on a free transfer. Minteh, who joined Brighton from Newcastle United for £30 million ($41m) in 2024, has recorded nine goals and eight assists in 66 Premier League appearances for the Seagulls.

Currently, the 22-year-old winger is sidelined for an estimated eight weeks after undergoing surgery on a right leg injury. This physical setback occurred during a 3-0 friendly victory against Roma earlier this month. Despite the medical procedure, the player is reportedly keen on a move to Anfield, though Brighton officials remain reluctant to sanction a departure during this window.

Liverpool Pursue Multiple Attacking Targets

Beyond the Yankuba Minteh transfer pursuit, Andoni Iraola’s side is actively negotiating for Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola. The French attacker carries a valuation of approximately £140 million ($190m). Liverpool have also registered interest in Barcola’s teammate, Ibrahim Mbaye. Notably, both PSG players were omitted from the squad for the Trophee des Champions fixture against Lens scheduled for Sunday.

The Reds have already committed significant capital to their frontline this summer, completing the signing of Spain international Víctor Muñoz. That deal, worth £34.5 million ($47m), saw the attacker arrive at Anfield from LaLiga side Osasuna. The club continues to explore market opportunities to further bolster the squad before the transfer deadline.

Squad Changes and Financial Movements

In addition to incoming targets, Liverpool have reached an agreement for the departure of midfielder Curtis Jones. Inter Milan have secured a deal worth more than €30 million for the player. This exit coincides with a period of transition for the club as they look to fill the void left by Salah’s exit at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

Minteh’s statistical profile at Brighton includes 17 total goal involvements across his tenure since arriving from St James' Park. While the initial £50 million offer was rebuffed, Liverpool remain focused on wide players who fit the specific tactical requirements of the current recruitment strategy. The club's assessment of several options continues as they evaluate the feasibility of meeting Brighton's valuation for the injured Gambian international.

Market Outlook and Injury Timelines

The eight-week recovery period for Minteh’s right leg surgery means the forward would not be available for immediate selection regardless of where he plays his football this autumn. Brighton’s stance on the £68m-rated asset remains firm as they resist the approach from their Premier League rivals. Liverpool’s pursuit of Mbaye and Barcola suggests a multi-pronged approach to the final weeks of the window, with PSG’s exclusion of the duo from matchday squads fueling further speculation regarding their availability.