Liverpool and Man United Compete for £30m Brighton Winger | OneFootball

Liverpool and Manchester United Target Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh

Yankuba Minteh’s rise continues to draw attention. After a breakthrough season, the 20-year-old Brighton winger is being monitored by Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester United — with both sides considering a move this summer. According to Fichajes, Minteh’s value is set at €35 million (£30m).

Minteh scored seven goals and provided five assists in all competitions during the 2024/25 season, showing a maturity and directness that belied his age. A player capable of carrying the ball with purpose and breaking lines, Minteh looks every inch the modern wide attacker — and his potential has not gone unnoticed.

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Liverpool Advantage Through Familiar Face

Liverpool’s interest in Minteh is reportedly boosted by one key factor: Arne Slot. The Dutchman worked with Minteh during their time together at Feyenoord, and the winger left a lasting impression. Slot was fulsome in his praise, calling him “really impressive”, and that familiarity could tip the balance in Liverpool’s favour.

For Liverpool, the attraction is clear. With Luis Díaz attracting outside interest, investing in a young wide forward now is a sensible strategy. Minteh would not be expected to start every game immediately, but his profile fits a club in transition, someone to develop while learning from elite professionals.

And, as Fichajes note, “The opportunity to join the Premier League champions will be hard to turn down for the youngster as well.”

United Monitoring Wide Options

Manchester United’s situation is slightly different, more urgent, more fractured. With doubts surrounding Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Jadon Sancho, the right side of United’s attack has become a problem position. Minteh’s arrival would not only add depth but potentially offer a long-term solution.

At Old Trafford, the talk is of reset rather than refinement. United need energy and hunger in wide areas, and Minteh brings both in abundance. His ability to stretch defences and inject pace into attacks could prove vital for a team that often stagnated in the final third.

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Spurs Join the Chase

There’s another twist in the tale: Tottenham Hotspur. The UEFA Europa League winners are also monitoring Minteh’s situation, adding another layer of competition. Ange Postecoglou wants to strengthen his attacking options, and a player like Minteh, raw but rapidly improving, could suit Spurs’ high-octane approach.

It’s clear this transfer race is heating up. Liverpool may have the sentimental edge, United offer greater opportunity for an instant impact, and Spurs bring European success and a manager willing to trust young talent. Where Minteh lands may ultimately come down to playing time, development prospects, and the clarity of vision each club can provide.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Liverpool, Yankuba Minteh ticks all the right boxes for the club’s current needs. At 20, he’s young enough to be moulded into the system but already experienced enough to contribute. The fact that Arne Slot knows him so well, and has publicly praised him, makes the fit feel even more natural.

With Salah ageing and Díaz possibly attracting offers from abroad, there’s a real sense that Liverpool’s wide areas need future-proofing. Minteh wouldn’t be expected to replace either star immediately, but he’d offer depth, pace, and the ability to grow into a starting role over time.

For fans who’ve grown weary of short-term fixes, Minteh represents a return to what Liverpool do best, buying smart, building potential, and backing coaching over the market. His £30 million valuation is more than reasonable in today’s climate, particularly given his ceiling.

There’s competition, yes, but the Slot connection gives Liverpool a clear advantage. If the club are serious about sustaining their success in the post-Klopp era, signing players like Minteh is the right way forward. It’s now up to the board to back the manager, and the project.