Liverpool’s fresh £60m bid for Gambia star Yankuba Minteh rejected

Liverpool have seen a second offer for Brighton & Hove Albion winger Yankuba Minteh rejected as they step up efforts to reshape their attack following Mohamed Salah’s departure.

The Merseyside club’s latest proposal, worth £60 million ($81.8m), has been turned down by Brighton, according to The Athletic. The development comes after the south-coast club rejected an initial £50m ($68.1m) bid from Liverpool earlier this week.

Brighton are understood to value the 22-year-old closer to £70m ($95.4m), leaving Liverpool facing another decision over whether to return with an improved offer. Sources familiar with Brighton’s position believe the club are unwilling to sanction Minteh’s departure unless their valuation is met.

The winger is currently recovering from surgery on a right-leg injury suffered during Brighton’s 3-0 friendly victory over Roma earlier this month. The setback is expected to keep him out for between two and three months.

Minteh viewed as Salah replacement

Liverpool have been looking to add more firepower after Salah’s exit and have already brought in 23-year-old forward Victor Munoz from Osasuna.

They have also spent much of the transfer window pursuing Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, although a substantial difference remains between Liverpool and PSG over the France international’s valuation.

Minteh, meanwhile, offers a different option for manager Andoni Iraola, with his pace, direct running and ability to operate from the right making him a potential replacement for some of the qualities Salah provided.

The Gambia international joined Brighton from Newcastle United in 2024 and enjoyed a regular role last season, making 36 appearances and recording three goals and four assists.

Pace and pressing appeal to Iraola

Minteh’s numbers underline his willingness to take on defenders. He attempted 142 dribbles in the Premier League last season, with a success rate of 45.8 per cent, ranking fourth in the division behind Jeremy Doku, Antoine Semenyo and Iliman Ndiaye.

His end product, however, remains an area for improvement. Minteh endured a six-month wait between goals from September to March and finished the campaign with a modest return of three goals and four assists.

His versatility could nevertheless make him attractive to Iraola. Although predominantly a left-footed right winger who likes to cut inside, Minteh can also operate from the left and attack opponents on the outside.

He demonstrated that variety in Brighton’s 3-0 win over Liverpool in March, when his low cross played a key role in the move that ended with Danny Welbeck scoring.

Iraola is known for valuing athleticism and intensity, particularly in wide areas. Minteh’s ability to repeatedly sprint and contribute to the press could therefore fit naturally into the Spaniard’s approach.

Liverpool, who finished fifth last season, open their 2026-27 Premier League campaign away to Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday, with Minteh’s future likely to remain one of the transfer window’s key talking points.