Journalist Reveals Minteh’s True Injury Timeline as Liverpool Prepare Third Bid | OneFootball

Liverpool Face Yankuba Minteh Delay as Brighton Talks Continue

Liverpool’s pursuit of Yankuba Minteh has entered a decisive phase, with Brighton continuing to resist the Premier League champions’ attempts to sign the winger before the transfer deadline.

There is, however, another significant factor for Liverpool to consider. Even if an agreement with Brighton is reached, Minteh may not be available to Andoni Iraola for several weeks.

The 22-year-old is recovering from a right leg injury that required surgery, meaning Liverpool could potentially commit a substantial transfer fee to a player whose debut may have to wait until October or November.

Brighton Stand Firm on Minteh Valuation

Liverpool have already made two offers for Minteh, understood to have been worth £50 million and £60 million respectively. Both were rejected by Brighton, who reportedly value the Gambia international closer to £70 million.

Negotiations remain active, with Liverpool preparing to test Brighton’s position again before the window closes.

Photo: IMAGO

There has been progress elsewhere. Personal terms with Minteh are understood to be broadly agreed and the player is keen on moving to Anfield.

That leaves the clubs to resolve their respective valuations, although Brighton are under no immediate pressure to sell a player who remains under contract and has established himself as an important attacking option.

Injury Could Delay Liverpool Debut

Any agreement would come with the knowledge that Minteh cannot immediately contribute.

According to Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Minteh is expected to require another two to three months before returning to full match fitness.

The winger sustained the injury during Brighton’s pre-season friendly against Roma following a challenge involving Roma captain Bryan Cristante. Surgery followed, and Minteh subsequently missed Brighton’s Premier League opener against Aston Villa.

A recovery period extending into October or November would leave Liverpool waiting for one of their major summer additions to become available.

That situation has not stopped discussions, which indicates Liverpool are assessing Minteh beyond the opening months of Iraola’s first season.

Liverpool Planning Beyond Salah Departure

Liverpool’s interest is partly driven by the need to reshape their attacking options following Mohamed Salah’s departure.

Minteh offers a familiar profile. He is predominantly left-footed, operates from the right and likes to attack defenders by moving inside onto his stronger foot.

Liverpool are also pursuing Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, with the two players regarded as leading attacking targets during the final stages of the window.

Rather than viewing Minteh purely as an immediate replacement for Salah, Liverpool appear to be considering how their forward line should evolve over a longer period.

Minteh Deal Carries Long-Term Appeal

Minteh joined Brighton from Newcastle United in 2024 following a productive loan spell with Feyenoord. He has since recorded 10 goals and nine assists in 73 appearances for Brighton.

At 22, there remains considerable scope for development, which helps explain Liverpool’s willingness to continue discussions despite his injury.

The immediate question concerns price. Brighton have already demonstrated their determination to protect Minteh’s valuation, while Liverpool must decide how far they are prepared to go for a player who may spend the first months of his Anfield career completing rehabilitation.

With the deadline approaching, a third Liverpool bid could provide the clearest indication yet of whether that gap can be closed.