Liverpool transfer news: Liverpool’s pursuit of Yankuba Minteh may have ended before deadline day could produce a deal, with injury emerging as a factor in the stalled transfer. Gambian journalist Foday Manneh said the Brighton winger’s injury likely stopped Liverpool from completing the move during the final hours. Manneh discussed the situation around deadline day after Minteh’s representatives had held talks with Liverpool.
The 22-year-old attracted serious transfer interest from Anfield during August. Liverpool submitted £50m and then £60m bids, yet Brighton rejected both while valuing the winger at about £70m. Minteh had undergone surgery after suffering a right-leg injury during Brighton’s 3-0 friendly win over Roma on August 8. He played 59 minutes before leaving the pitch, with reports placing his recovery at around eight weeks.
The Liverpool deal therefore had an awkward complication. The club wanted another wide attacker, but Minteh could not offer an immediate option because of his recovery.
Liverpool transfer news: Could Yankuba Minteh have suited Liverpool?
The attraction makes sense from a football perspective. Minteh offers something Liverpool lacked after Mohamed Salah’s departure: genuine acceleration from the right, aggressive running behind defenders and the willingness to press repeatedly. His 2025/26 Premier League campaign brought three goals and four assists in 2,398 minutes, according to FotMob.
That profile matters for Andoni Iraola because his approach demands intensity from wide players. Minteh can chase full-backs, attack space quickly and turn turnovers into forward attacks within seconds. He isn’t a polished final product, though. Against compact defences, his first touch and decision-making can become inconsistent, while his right foot offers fewer passing and crossing options.
There is another issue. Liverpool would have paid close to £70m for a player who entered the new season injured and had no Premier League minutes by September 20. That makes the timing difficult.
Minteh’s 2026/27 season has almost stalled. His only appearance came against Roma, where he played 59 minutes before the injury. Brighton had little reason to weaken their squad cheaply, after rejecting two substantial offers.
From Liverpool’s side, the failed move reflects a practical problem rather than a lack of interest. They identified a winger with pace, pressing intensity and Premier League experience, but the injury removed the immediate benefit. The £70m valuation made the decision harder. Liverpool transfer news around Minteh may return in another window, yet the September situation left both the price and his recovery as obstacles.
