Liverpool's Transfer Battle for Yankuba Minteh Intensifies

Liverpool’s chase for Yankuba Minteh is turning into a full-scale transfer battle with Brighton, after a second huge bid was knocked back despite the winger giving the green light to Anfield.

The Reds, who flirted with the idea of signing Minteh earlier in the summer before focusing on Bradley Barcola and, to a lesser extent, Ibrahim Mbaye, have come roaring back for the Brighton wide man. A £50million opening offer was rejected. Liverpool returned with £60m on the table. Brighton still said no.

Minteh, though, has made his stance clear.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano revealed that Liverpool and the Gambian winger have a “broad verbal agreement” on contract terms, with the player saying yes to the Liverpool project. The personal side is effectively in place. The problem now is Brighton’s resolve.

Gambian journalist Foday Manneh first reported that the second bid had been turned away, stating that Brighton had rejected another offer from Liverpool after the £50m proposal was already dismissed. Both clubs, he added, remain hopeful of finding an agreement and talks are ongoing.

So Liverpool know where they stand: the player wants the move, but Brighton are driving a hard bargain.

Before that second bid went in, it had been suggested that £60m might be enough to crack Brighton’s stance. Journalist Ben Jacobs said Liverpool were working with head coach Andoni Iraola to decide whether a second offer for Minteh was worth it, adding that a proposal “around £60m” would be very difficult for Brighton to refuse.

Brighton have now answered that question emphatically.

Jacobs also underlined Liverpool’s wider strategy on the wing. Minteh has been on their list for some time, but Barcola is viewed as the primary target – the “must-get” option if a deal can be done. Behind him, Liverpool have sounded out and even bid for several alternatives, Minteh among them.

Yet as the days pass and negotiations drag on, the picture is shifting. What might have looked like a smoother deal than Barcola has become every bit as complicated. Brighton are under no pressure to sell, and Liverpool, if they truly want Minteh, will have to go harder again.

A third bid now feels inevitable. The size of it does not.