Yankuba Minteh transfer saga takes massive twist as Liverpool forced into £20m decision

Brighton and Hove Albion may force Liverpool into a costly decision on Yankuba Minteh days before the transfer window slams shut.

Despite the 2026/27 Premier League season getting underway last weekend, clubs still have the opportunity to recruit players up until the September 1 deadline.

Andoni Iraola has already welcomed Victor Munoz from Osasuna and Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes on permanent deals this summer, while Ronald Araujo has joined from Barcelona on a season-long loan.

Talks are underway over Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola, with the Frenchman’s future still undecided as the deadline approaches.

The clubs held further talks over the winger’s future on Tuesday (August 25), with PSG still wanting £145million – a price Liverpool have so far been unwilling to pay.

Meanwhile, the Reds are keen on Brighton’s Minteh, with the Seagulls now reportedly informing Liverpool of their asking price.

It was previously reported that Liverpool had tabled an opening bid of £50million for the Gambia international, which the south coast club rejected. The Merseyside club returned with a second offer of £60million, although this was also short of Brighton’s £80million valuation.

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According to talkSPORT, Liverpool are reluctant to meet the £80million asking price and do not want to pay more than £65million for the African.

Minteh is under contract at Brighton until 2029 and has made 73 appearances for the Seagulls, producing 10 goals and nine assists.

Liverpool are also interested in PSG youngster Ibrahim Mbaye, with Iraola looking to bring in at least two wingers before the transfer deadline.

Should Liverpool land their targets, this could see Cody Gakpo leave, with the Dutchman attracting interest from Manchester City, having previously been linked with Spurs.

Speaking on talkSPORT on Monday, transfer reporter Ben Jacobs explained: “With Minteh, they held some talks over the weekend. They’re deciding today; so it could change any minute and very quickly whether they want to make a third bid.

“If they go to £70m, it’ll be a done deal, according to Brighton sources. My sense is Liverpool might consider £65m first. That was discussed at the weekend, but I think if Liverpool bid one more time it’ll almost be a final bid, because they’ve got other options [like] Ibrahim Mbaye.

“But PSG want €70m [£59.8m], which is still equivalent to Minteh. So, they’ve got two options now at roughly the same price. But my expectation is that it’s Barcola plus one.”

Liverpool return to action at home against Nottingham Forest on August 29.