The hunt for a worthy successor to the legendary Mohamed Salah is far from over at Anfield, with Liverpool reportedly still eyeing Brighton's electric winger, Yankuba Minteh. The Seagulls, ever the shrewd operators, are holding firm on their £70 million valuation, but a genuine need in Andoni Iraola's squad could force the Reds' hand in January.
Key Points:
- Liverpool continues its search for a potent right-winger after Mohamed Salah's departure.
- Brighton rejected £50m and £60m bids, demanding £70 million for Yankuba Minteh.
- Former Brighton striker Bobby Zamora believes Minteh's direct style would suit Liverpool.
- Brighton's transfer strategy consistently yields significant profits, setting a high bar for any deal.
Anfield's Right-Wing Conundrum
Liverpool knew this day was coming. With Mohamed Salah departing as a free agent, a major hole emerged on the right flank. Despite significant investments in talent like Victor Munoz from Osasuna and Bradley Barcola from PSG – a £123 million acquisition – most of Liverpool's new attacking threats, including Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha, naturally prefer the left.
Efforts to directly replace Salah have also been made, with bids for Minteh and Crystal Palace star Ismaila Sarr failing to produce an agreement. With Liverpool still looking for a natural option on the right, Minteh remains a potential target for January.
Brighton's Unwavering £70m Stance
Brighton has made it clear that Yankuba Minteh will not come cheap. Reports indicate they have already rebuffed offers of £50 million and £60 million, standing firm on their £70 million valuation.
Minteh, who joined Brighton from Newcastle for £30 million in the summer of 2024, has been sidelined recently. An ankle injury sustained during pre-season required surgery, meaning he is yet to feature for Fabian Hurzeler's side in the 2026-27 campaign.
Zamora Sees Minteh as a Liverpool Fit
Speaking in association with BetWright Premier League betting, former Brighton striker Bobby Zamora believes Minteh could suit Liverpool's needs.
Zamora highlighted the winger's direct approach and ability to get the ball into the box, while acknowledging that any potential transfer would depend on several factors, including the player, his representatives and Brighton's valuation.
“Liverpool's still in need, and he's very direct. He gets the ball into the box. He would suit them,” Zamora told GOAL.
The former striker also pointed to Brighton's track record of securing strong fees for their players, meaning Liverpool would likely have to meet the club's valuation if they return for Minteh in January.
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Hurzeler Leaves the Door Open for Minteh
Fabian Hurzeler has suggested that Minteh could still attract significant attention in the next transfer window if he returns to the spotlight with strong performances.
Hurzeler stressed that individual recognition tends to follow collective success, pointing to Brighton's ability to develop players and generate interest when the team performs well.
“He wears the Brighton colours, he wears the Brighton badge,” Hurzeler said, while also calling on Minteh to commit himself to the club and contribute alongside his teammates.
Brighton's Proven Transfer Model
Brighton's £70 million valuation is also understandable within the context of their wider transfer strategy. The club has repeatedly generated substantial profits from players who have gone on to bigger moves.
Minteh has already scored 10 goals in 73 appearances for Brighton, establishing himself as a proven Premier League option despite his current injury absence.
The club has previously sanctioned major sales involving Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, Joao Pedro and Alexis Mac Allister, demonstrating the level of fees Brighton can command for established talent.
For Liverpool, the question is whether Minteh can become the right-sided attacking option they need after Salah's departure. With Brighton holding out for £70 million, any renewed January approach would require the Reds to decide how much they are prepared to invest in filling one of the most significant gaps in their squad.
